Los Angeles is utilizing the 2026 FIFA World Cup to showcase its upgraded public transit system and test operational plans, anticipating the challenges of hosting a car-free 2028 Olympic Games. The World Cup serves as an early, large-scale test for the Los Angeles Metro, which is striving to reintroduce itself to residents in the notoriously car-dependent region.
For the eight World Cup games hosted in the Los Angeles area, Metro has implemented shuttle services connecting major rail stations to venues like SoFi Stadium, which lacks direct rail access. For the Spain-Austria match on July 2, nearly 50,000 rides were taken on rail lines, with an additional 30,000 rides on the dedicated shuttle routes. The agency borrowed approximately 200 buses to accommodate the increased demand during the World Cup and anticipates needing to borrow 3,000 buses for the Olympics.
Addressing Perceptions and Enhancing Safety
Public transit in Los Angeles faces perceptions of unreliability and safety issues, partly fueled by high-profile incidents. In response, LA Metro launched its own police force in June, with full deployment planned by 2029. This initiative, alongside homeless outreach and crisis response teams, aims to improve rider confidence. The agency also points to data indicating a decline in violent crime, with a reported 13.6% decrease in overall crime in March 2026 compared to the previous year.
Metro has also focused on improving the rider experience. Efforts include partnering with FIFA for fan zones and watch parties at transit hubs, offering limited-edition country-themed tap cards, and utilizing social media to promote transit use. Payment options have been upgraded to allow direct credit card use, mirroring systems in other major cities.
Transit Expansion and Future Games
Recent infrastructure developments include the D Line extension, which now connects downtown Los Angeles further west to areas with popular tourist attractions. This marked the first heavy rail expansion opening in the U.S. since 2020. Four additional stations are under construction to extend the D Line to the University of California, Los Angeles campus, which will serve as the official Athlete Village for the 2028 Games. Officials emphasize that despite the city's reputation, there is a strong demand for public transit, and expansion efforts are ongoing.