Uber Offers Shuttle Services for Soccer Fans

Soccer fans facing challenges with public transportation now have a new option for returning to key cities after matches. Uber’s shared shuttles will transport fans from stadiums near Boston, Dallas, Miami, and New York City. These shuttles will bring fans back to Manhattan from MetLife Stadium for $49.

Starting Friday, Uber will provide shared shuttle services using 50-seat vans after matches. The cost will be $49 from New Jersey to Manhattan and $45 in other participating cities. Additionally, Uber shuttles in Miami will take fans to and from matches.

Fans already paying significant amounts for match tickets have encountered high travel costs to stadiums. For instance, a 17-mile round-trip train ride from Manhattan to New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium is priced at $98.

To address concerns, the cost of official shuttle buses between Manhattan and MetLife has decreased from $80 to $20 round-trip after public intervention by Governor Kathy Hochul. She organized a fleet of yellow school buses for transportation. There will be 12,000 to 18,000 bus seats available per match, with a portion reserved for New York State residents.

In Boston, train rides from downtown to Gillette Stadium are priced at $80 for a round trip. Meanwhile, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, 24 miles from Dallas, does not have direct train connections.

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is located 15 miles from downtown. Fans can travel via train and bus for around $20. However, stadium parking begins at $175.

Uber also introduces an on-demand service called Uber Max, using 14-seat private vans to serve World Cup attendees in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. This service will have limited details on costs, although it is expected to be more expensive than the Uber XL option, according to Richard Foord, an Uber spokesperson.

Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s president and COO, emphasized the company’s intent to provide “reliable, affordable ways to get around that complement existing public transit networks.” He noted the ongoing expansion of lower-cost options like shared shuttles.

Shuttle seats can be booked a few days before each match with a limited number of same-day bookings. Uber’s Richard Foord noted that drop-off locations are being finalized and information will be shared with passengers in advance.