VTA seeks $44 million from the state for added service during World Cup
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The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is asking California for about $44 million to enhance transit service in the Bay Area ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring multiple matches and huge crowds to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The funding request focuses on boosting buses and light rail capacity, extending service hours and adding operations support to handle anticipated spikes in ridership during match days and related events. Transit planning efforts have already been underway to prepare for both the World Cup and other major events like Super Bowl LX, leveraging lessons from recent high-demand days to get ahead of crowding and congestion.
Why it matters
Hosting World Cup matches presents a rare opportunity to demonstrate that regional transit can reliably move tens of thousands of visitors without gridlock, which matters for quality of life, economic activity and long-term support for public transportation investment. Without adequate service funding, riders and visitors could face overcrowded trains and buses, longer wait times and increased road congestion around major venues. Securing this $44 million would help ensure smoother mobility during the tournament and strengthen the case for continued investment in transit infrastructure well beyond 2026
