Senators urge restored funding for World Cup transit needs after amendment withdrawn

Senator Patrick M. O'Connor withdrew Amendment 78 but delivered an extended floor statement urging the Commonwealth to restore $20 million for transportation and related support tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. O'Connor said the region could see roughly 2 million visitors during the tournament period, with 420,000 attending matches and an estimated 30,000 fans per match expected to reach Gillette Stadium by commuter rail, far above normal event levels.

O'Connor said the MBTA projects a 147% increase in daily passengers during the World Cup period and up to a 600% increase on match days, and he compared expected demand to previous large events — saying World Cup ridership would be “more than double” the added ridership of last year’s Army–Navy game. He argued that Boston is among the lowest-funded host cities and cited funding figures for other host cities to underscore the shortfall.

Senator Paul R. Feeney followed, thanking O'Connor and saying discussions with leadership, the chair of Ways and Means and city officials are ongoing to "right-size" the Commonwealth's investment. Feeney reiterated concerns about transportation capacity, the timing of many matches during weekday work hours, public-safety needs, and the economic stakes: he cited a projected $1.1 billion regional economic impact and an estimate of 9,000 jobs tied to the event.

Both senators urged additional state support for transit capital and operations and for coordination with private sector commitments, public-safety planning and local governments. No formal motion to restore the $20 million line item was resolved on the floor during this session; the amendment was withdrawn and the sponsors said conversations would continue with leadership and the Ways and Means committee.