Germany's class act: Players fund 600 fans' trip amid transport price hike
The German players have stepped up for their fans and have decided to pay for the travel of 600 fans by bus for their final Group game against Ecuador in New Jersey. Joshua Kimmich and Co. made the call to step in, according to media reports, due to the high transport costs at the tournament.
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According to BBC Sport, train fares from central New York to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the venue for Germany’s final Group E fixture against Ecuador on June 25, usually cost around USD 12.90 (£9.50). However, prices were increased to USD 150 for the tournament before being revised down to USD 98.
Meanwhile, shuttle bus tickets for the same route, which were initially set at USD 80, have since been reduced to USD 20. New Jersey’s governor has attributed the elevated transport costs to FIFA’s decision not to contribute towards travel subsidies for supporters.
The German FA said that the 600 fans’ travel expenses from New York to New Jersey will be taken care of by the players.
“In light of the high cost of bus and train travel in New York during the World Cup, the German national team players have organised free transport to the final group match for 600 fans,” said the German FA.
“Captain Joshua Kimmich and his team-mates are covering the cost of buses to take supporters from New York to the arena in New Jersey for the match against Ecuador.”
At the previous World Cups in Russia and Qatar, supporters were able to use complimentary public transport to travel to match venues and fan zones. The United States had originally pledged to provide a similar benefit as part of its hosting commitments.
However, following a revision to the agreement in 2023, organisers opted to abandon the free-travel provision, meaning fans would instead be required to cover transportation costs themselves.
Germany will be kickstarting their campaign at the World Cup against Curacao on Sunday, June 14.
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