LA's car-centric fans embrace buses and trains for World Cup

Los Angeles' public transit system is experiencing a surge in ridership during the World Cup, with tens of thousands of fans opting for buses and trains over driving.

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We've had folks come in who are overwhelmed by all the sounds and the activity happening at the station. We've also had folks who have come in and used it to pray, we've also had folks come in and breast-feed, all types of different reasons.

LA Metro has deployed special World Cup-branded buses from Union Station to the Inglewood stadium, alongside enhanced services and fan zones within the station itself. "Ambassadors" are on hand to guide fans, and "calming pods" and hydration centers are available for those feeling overwhelmed.

Armando Roman, a manager with LA Metro's civil rights, racial equity and inclusion and accessibility group, noted the diverse needs met by the station's facilities, including prayer and breastfeeding spaces. Despite the added costs of staffing, special buses, and security, LA Metro sees this as a strategic move to bolster its transportation infrastructure program.

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We didn't want to sit in traffic and this was a lot less expensive.

For many fans, public transit offers a cost-effective and less stressful alternative to navigating Los Angeles traffic and expensive stadium parking. "We didn't want to sit in traffic and this was a lot less expensive," said Crystal Gristina, a fan from New Orleans. Others, like Brandon Luna from San Diego, found the train journey itself enjoyable, stating, "On the Amtrak you chill, you just sit, you can have a drink, watch the ocean go by."

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On the Amtrak you chill, you just sit, you can have a drink, watch the ocean go by. I saw all the World Cup buses around the county and said 'Yup, that's what I'm going to do.'

Ridership has been steadily increasing throughout the tournament, with one match seeing over 52,000 people utilize the transit system, exceeding half the stadium's capacity. This embrace of public transport by World Cup attendees marks a significant shift for a city historically defined by its car culture.

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the train was fun