The 2006 World Cup in Germany, fondly remembered as the “Sommermärchen” or “Summer Fairy Tale,” highlighted a nation united in welcoming fans worldwide. A significant part of this success was due to the “KombiTicket,” which allowed free local public transportation on match days. Following Germany’s lead, host countries like Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022 made significant transit investments. They provided perks like free long-distance trains and metro access to ease travel between stadiums.
However, the scenario has shifted with the United States hosting. Fans are already burdened with steep ticket prices, costly flights, and expensive hotels. Adding to their woes are pricey rail fares: $98 round-trip in New Jersey and $80 in Massachusetts, whereas NFL fans typically pay $12.90 and $20, respectively. Officials clarify they aim to cover security and expanded service costs, not to exploit fans. Yet, this explanation doesn’t sit well with fans, who feel pressed by already high costs in a car-centric country with minimal public transit focus. Some state and local officials resist subsidizing these costs, arguing that FIFA, which expects to earn billions, should shoulder more of this burden.
“Planning for this World Cup has been a nightmare from start to finish,” shared Rory Phillips-Hunter, a 37-year-old hospitality worker from northern England.
Facing exorbitant local transportation rates, Phillips-Hunter and fellow Scottish fans devised their own travel solution for the 25-mile trip from Providence, Rhode Island, to Foxborough, Massachusetts. They booked 20 school buses for nearly 1,000 fans at about $50 each, saving over $85,000 compared to local prices.
Transportation plans vary across host cities. Atlanta, Houston, and Seattle feature stadiums directly linked to rail systems, maintaining regular fare structures. Miami-Dade County is offering fans free shuttles to Hard Rock Stadium. Philadelphia plans free return rides from games, courtesy of Airbnb funding. Kansas City runs $15 shuttles.
David Gogishvili, a senior researcher at Switzerland’s University of Lausanne, emphasizes that it’s standard for FIFA to pass costs to host nations. However, the U.S.’s strong state and local governments refuse to absorb these expenses. Gogishvili argues FIFA, with its expected $13 billion revenue from 2023-26, should cover more of the transport costs. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has requested FIFA assume responsibility, but FIFA declines, noting it hasn’t been asked for such commitments elsewhere.
Historically, nations like Russia and Qatar viewed the World Cup as public relations exercises and subsidized transportation. Yet, skepticism about economic benefits grows, with hotel bookings falling short of expectations in most host cities. A 2022 study co-authored by Gogishvili found most World Cups from 1966 to 2018 incurred financial losses.
According to Yonah Freemark, a researcher at the Washington-based Urban Institute, the U.S. transit systems are less advanced and pricier than those in Europe and Asia. With limited capacity, especially in suburban stadiums where many usually drive to games, fans face long wait times that don’t meet foreign visitors’ expectations.
Brazilian fan Ynara Correa da Costa, attending her seventh World Cup, was shocked at initial U.S. fare proposals. Officials revised proposals, reducing train fares from $150 to $98 after backlash. However, only 18,000 bus seats are available for 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium. Costa plans to attend but questioned earlier how feasible attending would be.
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
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