Football supporters travelling to this summer's World Cup in the United States are facing significant debt concerns, as soaring transport costs add to already inflated ticket prices. A return train journey to the Boston stadium, where both England and Scotland will play group matches, will cost $80 (£60), compared to the standard fare of $20 (£15) for the same route, according to local media reports.
Car parking at the venue is also prohibitively expensive, starting at $175 (£132). Paul Goodwin, co-founder of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, expressed serious worries, stating: 'There will be a lot of second mortgages and costs being put on credit cards.' He added that it is 'another huge disappointment' and 'a kick in the goolies to ordinary fans.'
Scotland, making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, open their Group C campaign against Haiti in Boston on June 14, returning five days later to face Morocco. England will meet Ghana in the same venue on June 23. Around 20,000 Scottish supporters, many without match tickets, are expected to travel, with Category 1 seats for the final reportedly offered at almost $11,000 (£8,335).
The Football Supporters' Association also criticised the travel expenses, stating: 'At what is normally a $20 journey, we are incredibly disappointed that this has been allowed to happen. For a stadium so far away from its advertised location, all organisers had a duty to ensure supporters could get there sustainably and for a fair price.'
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) defended its pricing, noting that tickets cover the entire Commuter Rail network on match days. An MBTA statement said: 'We are confident that the Commuter Rail will be one of the easiest, most affordable ways to get to and from Boston Stadium.' However, Goodwin noted that some Scottish fans are exploring hiring school buses as an alternative.
