The Trump administration is claiming success for the public transportation systems that served the FIFA World Cup, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy asserting that record numbers of fans utilized these networks. Duffy specifically targeted left-wing critics, stating they had "prayed for an American transit disaster" during the event.
Millions of FIFA fans attended matches across U.S. host cities, placing a significant demand on transportation infrastructure. The Department of Transportation (DOT) invested over $100 million in infrastructure improvements for host cities. According to Duffy, this investment, coupled with federal efforts from agencies like the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration, ensured a smooth experience for fans traveling to games.
Duffy's remarks contrast with earlier predictions from some political figures and media outlets. Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., had expressed concerns in April, alleging the administration was "systematically dismantling security agencies" and unprepared to manage the event. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had also voiced skepticism about the administration's commitment to hosting successful games.
Publications like The Atlantic and Vox had also published pieces questioning the U.S. transit system's readiness for the influx of World Cup attendees. However, Vox later noted that the "widely expected World Cup public transit meltdown has simply not materialized," and that U.S. cities had managed to absorb the fan surge with relative ease.
The DOT reported significant increases in public transit ridership across multiple host cities. Atlanta saw over 2 million riders, with match-day ridership tripling typical averages. Seattle's light rail system set a single-day record, accommodating 309,000 riders on July 6. Philadelphia's PHLASH bus service recorded a 500 percent increase in ridership per match, and Kansas City's streetcar experienced a record day with 48,260 riders. Los Angeles reported a 598 percent increase in rider taps on World Cup match days compared to a typical Friday. In San Francisco, over 38,000 fans used public transit per match, exceeding attendance numbers from Super Bowl LX.
Duffy stated that "Americans and visitors alike saw the best of our nation over the last month," highlighting the combined efforts that facilitated safe and timely travel for FIFA fans.