Meeting_Body
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 14, 2026
Subject
SUBJECT: 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP READINESS UPDATE
Action
ACTION: ORAL REPORT
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
RECEIVE oral report on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Issue
ISSUE
Los Angeles County is set to host eight matches of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, presenting a unique opportunity and challenge for Metro to provide efficient and accessible transit services to its existing customer base and a broader global audience. As of January 14, 2026, there will be 148 days until the tournament begins.
An internal cross-departmental task force has been assembled since Fall 2024. The mission statement is to ensure a seamless, safe, and efficient mobility experience that meets the demands of this global sporting event. The strategy incorporates operations excellence, as we aim to surprise and delight riders with elevated service, intuitive wayfinding, and a safe and welcoming experience that reflects the vibrancy of Los Angeles County. Our work will result in enduring benefits for the region, including permanent infrastructure upgrades, improved service integration, and a new model for mega-event transit that strengthens the legacy of our transportation network.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
Metro is committed to ensuring equitable access through universal design practices for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. As part of these efforts, Metro is implementing mobility enhancements so that every fan, regardless of ability, can enjoy a dignified and barrier-free journey to accommodate people with strollers and disabilities, as well as seniors. This includes ADA drop-offs, wayfinding/signage, heat mitigation, and seamless fare payment methods. Metro is also collaborating with Access Services to provide specialized transportation for individuals with disabilities. These initiatives reflect Metro’s dedication to inclusivity and equitable transportation solutions. Metro will continue to maintain the service levels required to transport the existing customer base and the communities near World Cup venues.
Vehicle_Miles_Traveled_Outcome
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED OUTCOME
VMT and VMT per capita in Los Angeles County are lower than national averages, the lowest in the SCAG region, and on the lower end of VMT per capita statewide, with these declining VMT trends due in part to Metro’s significant investment in rail and bus transit.* Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets align with California’s statewide climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To ensure continued progress, all Board items are assessed for their potential impact on VMT.
As part of these ongoing efforts, this item is expected to contribute to further reductions in VMT. This item supports Metro’s systemwide strategy to reduce VMT through planning and operational activities that will benefit and further encourage transit ridership, ridesharing, and active transportation. Metro’s work to support the upcoming World Cup matches in Los Angeles will focus on getting spectators to and from events using transit rather than driving alone. Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets were designed to build on the success of existing investments, and this item aligns with those objectives.
*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.
Prepared_by
Prepared by:
Joe Forgiarini, Senior Executive Officer, (213) 418-3400
Matt Dake, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, (213) 922-4061
Edna Stanley, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, (213) 922-4084
Aldon Bordenave, Deputy Executive Officer, (213) 922-4404
Steven Gota, Executive Officer, (213) 922-3043
Stacie Endler, Senior Director, (213) 547-4209
Errol Taylor, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, (213) 922-3227
Jeff Zimm, Deputy Executive Officer, (213) 418-3264
Ben Alcazar, Senior Director, (213) 922-2634
Pam Krebs, Executive Officer, (213) 922-6931
Manish Chaudhari, Senior Executive Officer, (213) 922-2097
Michelle Navarro, Interim Chief Financial Officer, (213) 922-3056
Lilly O’Brien, Deputy Executive Officer, (213) 259-7480
Nancy Saravia, Executive Officer, (213) 922-1217
Ron Eagle, Deputy Executive Officer
Susanna Reyes, Deputy Executive Officer, (213) 393-9742
Chris Reyes, Senior Director, Operations Support, (213) 926-734
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by:
Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer and Chief of World Cup Delivery, (213) 418-3034
