LA Secures $9.6M for World Cup Transit Upgrades
LA receives $9.6M in federal funding for bus stop and transit safety upgrades ahead of 2026 World Cup
LA Gets $9.6M for World Cup Transit Upgrades
Los Angeles-area transit riders will see improved bus stops and safety features as the region prepares for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. The U.S. federal government has allocated more than $9.6 million to the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area for transit infrastructure upgrades, part of $18.4 million in California funding announced for World Cup preparations. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will host eight matches from June 12 to July 10, with transit officials strongly encouraging fans to use public transportation instead of driving.
Federal Funding Targets World Cup Transit Needs
The federal allocation addresses transit infrastructure needs for one of the world's largest sporting events coming to Southern California. San Francisco-Oakland will receive over $8.8 million in additional funding, officials said. The 2026 World Cup will be unique as the first tournament spread across multiple continents, with 16 U.S. host cities including Los Angeles on the West Coast and New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Miami, and Atlanta on the East Coast. Transit agencies typically receive federal support for major international events that strain existing infrastructure and require enhanced service capacity.
Upgrades Include Bus Stops and BRT Enhancements
Los Angeles funding will support bus stop upgrades, transit safety improvements, and enhancements to the Vermont bus rapid transit line, according to federal officials. Metro LA will serve as the official public transit provider for World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium. Standard Metro fares will apply at $1.75 one-way or $3.50 round-trip for matchday service. The agency will offer dedicated service starting up to three hours before kickoff with final departures 90 minutes after matches end, officials said.
Matches Run Through Summer 2026
SoFi Stadium's eight World Cup matches include the U.S. Men's National Team opener against Paraguay on June 12, 2026 at 6 p.m. Pacific time. The tournament schedule runs through July 10 at the Inglewood venue. Parking at SoFi Stadium will range from $55 to $95 for early-bird reservations, significantly cheaper than current rates that can reach $400. The federal government has also set aside $94 million for transit needs associated with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, officials confirmed.
Officials Urge Fans to Use Public Transit
Transit officials are strongly encouraging fans to use public transportation instead of driving due to Southern California's notoriously heavy traffic. The infrastructure improvements aim to accommodate the expected surge in ridership during match days while maintaining reliable service for regular commuters. Riders can check Moovit for real-time Metro LA updates, service schedules, and trip planning for World Cup matches. Officials said additional service details will be released closer to the tournament start date.
