Senator Paul Sarlo, chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, and Senator Declan O’Scanlon, Senate Republican Budget Officer, said on Apr. 20 that FIFA should help pay for the transportation costs linked to NJ Transit during the World Cup events in New Jersey.
The senators said this issue is important because unique security protocols for the tournament will prevent fans from parking near the stadium, forcing them to use mass transit. This shift places a significant financial burden on NJ Transit and affects regular commuters.
“We approach the World Cup tournament this summer with real excitement for the benefits the matches will deliver to New Jersey. It will bring international attention to the state and produce significant economic benefits for businesses and communities,” Sarlo and O’Scanlon said in their joint statement. “At the same time, we hope that FIFA recognizes that their security protocols are unlike those for any other event held at the stadium because they largely forbid fans from parking in the lots around the stadium for World Cup games. These unique security protocols essentially require fans to use mass transit, which puts a tremendous financial and operational strain on NJ Transit and disrupts our residents’ normal commutes.”
The senators noted that FIFA estimates transportation costs at least $48 million—costs currently expected to be covered by local taxpayers or commuters—while projecting as much as $11 billion in revenue from these events. “FIFA says it will make as much as $11 billion from the events. Clearly, it can – and should – help to cover the transportation costs for its fans. We should not be subsidizing World Cup ticket holders at the expense of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ Transit,” they said.
“This is about protecting our residents. New Jersey should be proud of its role hosting the World Cup at the same time we support our workforce and ensure that economic benefits are enjoyed by communities throughout the state,” Sarlo and O’Scanlon added.
In related legislative matters, Senator Anthony M. Bucco serves as a member of both budget-related committees involved with such issues according to his official website. Bucco also provides constituent services through his district office as reported by his official page, engages actively in legislative work including sponsoring bills according to official records, holds leadership positions such as Senate Republican Leader as listed online, has led key committees according to legislative sources, and represents New Jersey’s 25th Legislative District per official information.
