Gov. Mikie Sherrill could get free seat, trip to FIFA World Cup as NJ kicks fans with $150 train ride
New Jersey Gov.Mikie Sherrill can go to Garden State-hosted World Cup games for free in a taxpayer-funded chauffeur — while her transit agency soaks fans for $150 train tickets from the city to the Meadowlands, critics said.The Democrat gets driven around in a New Jersey State Trooper vehicle as governor and could use it if she decides to attend a game, according to sources, but detractors claim even more hypocritical is that she may have access to a suite in MetLife Stadium for the highly coveted games there.The potential VIP treatment comes in contrast to the Garden State’s begrudging stance against the thousands of tourists and fans expected to flock to the tournament that critics say could cause problems for commuters caught in the crosshairs.“Sherrill is a ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ politician who gets driven around by state troopers in an SUV to make her and her friends get to the stadium unimpeded,” said soccer dad and former Staten Island Republican Councilman Joe Borelli.The New Jersey governor also has a suite in MetLife stadium provided by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to attend sporting and other events there.
Sources said that during the World Cup, FIFA will oversee a suite for dignitaries and elected officials presumably including the governor.It’s unclear if Sherrill plans to attend any games or would be invited into any FIFA seating but Borelli said New Jersey is the only one of 16 locations in the US, Mexico and Canada hosting games that is causing a fuss about transportation costs.The NJ Transit fare is typically $12.90 from Penn Station to the Meadowlands but will be hiked to $150 for round trip tickets to a maximum of 40,000 fans.Shuttle buses are also available for $80.Eight matches in the Meadowlands will run June 13 through July 19One Republican lawmaker said Sherrill has turned New Jersey into a “clown show” after Garden State officials along with New York politicians jointly lobbied to host the World Club.“This...