Soccer Shuttles, Fare Cards, and More: Transit Agencies Get the Word Out

With less than a week before kick-off, transit agencies are letting the public know that they are ready to move fans to World Cup matches and events. Press conferences have focused on expanded service, enhanced security, and new rider tools, including a limited edition soccer ball-shaped fare card. Collectively, agencies are emphasizing transit as the preferred way to reach stadiums, fan festivals, and major activity centers. Here’s what agencies have been sharing.

In Vancouver, BC, TransLink launched a comprehensive and multilingual online rider guide. The agency is adding about 600 extra bus trips a day during the event, including a dedicated shuttle linking the Fan Festival with existing lines, as well as a temporary downtown circulator route. For those connecting via air or sea, SkyTrain and SeaBus will have increased frequency during the tournament. A TransLink-branded version of the Transit app includes enhanced trip-planning with premium features free for Metro Vancouver riders. The agency also introduced a limited-edition Compass Soccer Mini fare cards and a soccer-themed SeaBus wrap.

In South Florida, Miami-Dade County’s World Cup transportation plan centers on free, direct shuttle service for ticket holders traveling to matches at Miami Stadium. The county’s Miami Game Day Express will operate from four hubs that connect to rail and bus lines, as well as paid parking and rideshare drop-off zones. The FIFA Fan Festival is accessible via the free automated Metromover, which will have extended service during the tournament.

For matches in Seattle, WA, Sound Transit will run more frequent Link light rail service on game days and add special Sounder service. Passengers can tap-to-pay with contactless bank cards and mobile wallets or use a special multi-agency ORCA pass.

In Kansas City, MO, the free KC Streetcar will have additional service and security personnel on Fan Fest days. The bus-based tournament network, ConnectKC26, will provide service to the stadium for match ticketholders from the FIFA Fan Festival, the Plaza, and designated park-and-ride locations.

Serving Philadelphia, PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA’s) website provides practical service information, including additional late-night services. In Atlanta, GA, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announced a partnership with Big Boi to “Drive You to the World Cup.”

While each host city requires a unique approach, transit agency plans share common themes including supplemental service, additional resources for wayfinding and security (such as ambassadors wearing distinguishing vests), and partnerships that connect local transit with regional rail, airports, and major gatherings.