NEW YORK (BLOOMBERG) -- Uber Technologies Inc. will offer a new ride-sharing service for the FIFA World Cup tournament, shuttling fans home for less than $50 each.
Those attending games at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this summer will be able to book a ride leaving the venue using Uber Shuttle, where a seat will cost $49, Uber announced Friday in a press release. The price for those leaving from stadiums in Dallas, Boston and Miami will be $45, and there will be set drop-off locations in each city.
For large groups, the company is also offering Uber Max, a 14-seat van that will take fans to and from venues in New York, Miami and Los Angeles. Pricing will depend on availability, distance and market conditions, but riders should expect the cost to be about double the price of an Uber XL, according to Richard Foord, a spokesperson for Uber.
Soccer fans planning to attend the games starting June 11 have expressed outrage at the high costs for transit fares, as well as prices for tickets and parking. The new option from Uber is one of the cheaper alternatives, given that New Jersey Transit is charging $98 for round trip fares and parking can cost more than $200.
The ride-hailing company is expanding its range of options as millions of visitors are slated to visit the US for the international soccer event. The New York City area could be a key market for the expanded service since eight games, including the final match, will be held at MetLife, and FIFA has prohibited parking at the arena.
A record 48 countries are playing 104 matches in this year’s World Cup in 16 cities in the US, Mexico and Canada. It’s the first time the tournament has been held in North America since 1994.
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