World Cup gives North American transit a chance to shine - or be booed
The 2026 World Cup presents a significant opportunity for North American transit systems to attract new users. With rising travel costs and a large number of matches across multiple cities, transit operators are eager to showcase their services to international visitors. However, they face challenges such as limited capacity and rising operational costs, which could impact the experience for both new and regular customers.
- ▪The World Cup will feature 104 matches in 16 cities across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
- ▪Transit providers are aiming to attract new customers who typically do not use public transport.
- ▪NJ Transit faced backlash for announcing a $150 round-trip fare for a train ride that usually costs less than $13.
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World Cup gives North American transit a chance to shine - or be booedSign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inboxA football freestyler entertains travellers as LA Metro launches contactless credit and debit card fare payment ahead of the FIFA World Cup at Union Station in Los Angeles.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Jun 03, 2026, 06:05 PMUpdated Jun 03, 2026, 06:24 PMListenLOS ANGELES - The 2026 World Cup is soccer's biggest stage, and for some of North America's rail and bus operators it will be a critical audition.With airfares and gasoline prices rising, airport security lines stretching to infuriating lengths, and 104 World Cup matches in 16 cities spread across four time zones in the United States, Mexico and Canada, some ground transportation companies say they are warming up to…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.