LA Metro supports Assembly Bill for FIFA World Cup transportation funding

A significant step towards enhancing public transportation for major sporting events was taken during the California State Assembly's Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee meeting on April 22, 2025. The committee discussed Assembly Bill 1237, aimed at improving transit access for the upcoming FIFA World Cup games hosted in Los Angeles.

Chris McCallie, representing the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, highlighted the estimated $25 million in additional costs associated with hosting the eight World Cup games at SoFi Stadium. He emphasized the bill's potential to boost public transportation usage and alleviate congestion during these high-traffic events. "We strongly support the bill," McCallie stated, underscoring its importance for both local residents and visitors.

Delaney Hunter from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority echoed this sentiment, noting their experience from hosting the Super Bowl in 2026. "We need to continue to operate day-to-day service while also providing for the influx of visitors," Hunter said, reinforcing the necessity of the bill to manage transportation effectively during large events.

The bill received overwhelming support from various stakeholders, including the California Labor Federation and local constituents, with no opposition recorded during the meeting. Assemblymember McKinner, the bill's author, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts and assured that ongoing discussions would address any legal concerns related to existing contracts with host city committees.

As the committee moved to vote, the bill passed with a strong majority, paving the way for enhanced public transit solutions that will benefit both residents and visitors during significant sporting events in California. The anticipated outcomes include improved transportation infrastructure and increased accessibility, setting a precedent for future events.