The United States successfully hosted the FIFA World Cup, with millions of fans attending matches across the country. The event saw record-shattering numbers of fans moving through U.S. transportation networks, putting a strain on federal, state, and local systems.
Despite concerns from critics, the tournament went off without major incidents, thanks in part to a $100 million investment by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to World Cup host cities. The investment helped alleviate pressure on local transit systems, which accommodated record-breaking numbers of riders.
Atlanta, for example, saw more than 2 million riders use public transit to get to matches, fan fests, and other events, with match-day ridership reaching up to three times the typical average. In Seattle, over 1.1 million combined riders used city public transit during the first two matches alone.
Philadelphia, which also hosted the MLB All-Star Game, saw an average of 27,000 riders using public transit per match, while the city's PHLASH bus service recorded a 500 percent increase in ridership. Kansas City set a one-day record for streetcar riders at 48,260 on June 27, and Los Angeles saw a 598 percent increase in rider taps on World Cup match day compared to a typical Friday.
The success of the U.S. public transit system during the World Cup was not limited to well-known transit hubs. Cities not previously known for their public transit systems, such as San Francisco, accommodated record numbers of fans, with an average of more than 38,000 moving to and from matches using public transit, exceeding Super Bowl LX's numbers by nearly 8,000.
The Department of Transportation is proud of its role in supporting the World Cup and ensuring the safe transportation of fans. "Whether they flew, took passenger rail, hopped on public transit, or hit the open road, Americans and visitors alike saw the best of our nation over the last month," said a spokesperson for the agency.
Contrary to predictions from critics, the U.S. public transit system performed impressively, with many cities managing to absorb the influx of fans with relative ease, even under the pressure of record ridership. The success of the World Cup has been hailed as a victory by those who doubted the country's ability to host the event safely and effectively.
