The global soccer tournament, hosted in the U.S., has unexpectedly highlighted the capabilities and potential growth of American public transit systems. Critics had doubted the ability of U.S. cities to manage the influx of fans, given the nation's strong car culture and comparatively limited public transportation infrastructure. However, many host cities successfully absorbed record ridership to stadiums, watch parties, and fan zones.
While challenges were present, such as New Jersey's initial plan to charge $150 for round-trip train tickets and Kansas City's traffic-plagued pop-up shuttle buses, a widespread transit meltdown did not materialize. This relative success is attributed to recent investments and upgrades in public transit infrastructure across several host cities. Los Angeles, in particular, has seen a "major cultural shift" around public transit, according to Eli Lipmen, executive director of MoveLA. The city unveiled three new subway stations in May, its first in over two decades, and has focused on improving safety and customer experience, leading to increased ridership and a more positive public perception.
Seattle's Sound Transit reported a record 309,000 riders during a U.S. national team match, bolstered by a long-planned light rail extension. Atlanta revamped its bus network, Miami utilized a new rapid transit line, and Kansas City expanded its tram service. These improvements demonstrate that U.S. cities can indeed expand their transit options when prioritized.
However, the sustainability of these improvements beyond the tournament remains a question. Kansas City's transit authority, for example, planned to cut bus routes shortly after the World Cup concluded. Experts like Eric Goldwyn, director of the NYU Marron Institute of Urban Management, suggest that many cities are still not viewing transit as a "serious modal shift" away from cars, but rather as an ancillary service. For public transit to become a viable everyday option, Goldwyn emphasizes the need for new lines to connect to desirable destinations like workplaces and housing, and a combination of incentives and disincentives to encourage people to use public transport regularly.
Los Angeles's efforts, including rebranding its transit system and offering popular merchandise, have helped to destigmatize train travel. Jennifer Vides, Metro Los Angeles's chief customer experience officer, stated that Angelenos "really want transit." The success in Los Angeles, especially with the upcoming 2028 Olympics, suggests a potential pathway for other cities to foster greater public transit adoption. The World Cup may have provided an unexpected catalyst, mirroring the growing acceptance of soccer in the U.S., for a similar embrace of public transportation.