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As fans flock to SoFi and watch parties, Metro ridership gets major boost during World Cup
By Libby Rainey at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
FIFA World Cup 2026 scarves are displayed during the ribbon cutting for the LAX/Metro Transit Center rail and bus public transportation station at LAX on June 6, 2025.(Patrick T. Fallon / Getty Images)In notoriously car-centric Los Angeles , thousands of fans have been taking public transit to get...
Key takeaway Fallon / Getty Images)In notoriously car-centric Los Angeles, thousands of fans have been taking public transit to get...
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The surge in Metro ridership during the World Cup is a significant development for Los Angeles, a city notorious for its car-centric culture. The fact that thousands of fans are opting for public transit to get to SoFi Stadium and other fan events suggests a growing appetite for alternative transportation options. The success of Metro's special shuttle buses and increased ridership on the K and C Lines could have implications for the city's transportation planning, particularly in the context of large events. As the city continues to invest in its public transportation infrastructure, the World Cup has provided a unique opportunity to test the system's capacity and identify areas for improvement. The positive experiences of riders like Cristian Vasquez and Alicia Greene, who found the Metro system to be convenient and affordable, could help build momentum for increased use of public transit in the city, even after the World Cup is over.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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What is this story about? FIFA World Cup 2026 scarves are displayed during the ribbon cutting for the LAX/Metro Transit Center rail and bus public transportation station at LAX on June 6, 2025.(Patrick T. Fallon / Getty Images)In notoriously car-centric Los Angeles, thousands of fans have been taking public transit to get...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Libby Rainey at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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