World Cup Fans Offered Expanded Transit Options In SoCal

LOS ANGELES, CA — With the United States set to open its World Cup campaign Friday against Paraguay in Inglewood, Metro and a coalition of regional transit providers announced plans Monday for expanded transportation services aimed at helping fans reach matches, fan festivals and related events throughout Southern California.

Metro said enhanced World Cup bus service to SoFi Stadium will operate from 15 locations in Los Angeles and Orange counties:

• El Camino College in Torrance;
• Crenshaw Metro Station;
• Culver City Transit Center;
• downtown Long Beach;
• downtown Santa Monica;
• Harbor Gateway Transit Center;
• Hawthorne/Lennox Metro Station;
• North Hollywood Metro Station;
• Pierce College Station in Woodland Hills;
• Torrance Transit Center;
• Union Station;
• LAX/Metro Transit Center;
• Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center;
• Newport Transportation Center; and
• several pickup locations near LAX.

Fare for the service will be $1.75 each way. Buses will begin operating up to three hours before kickoff and continue running for up to two hours after each match, according to Metro.

Regional transit partners also are expanding service for the tournament. Metrolink plans enhanced rail service following all eight World Cup matches in the Los Angeles area and during official FIFA Fan Zone events at Union Station later in the tournament.

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner will add late-night service on select match days, allowing fans to return to destinations including San Diego, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo after matches.

Intercity carriers FlixBus and Greyhound also are preparing for increased demand by connecting travelers from cities including San Diego, Bakersfield and Las Vegas to regional transit hubs such as Union Station, downtown Long Beach and Anaheim, officials said.

Metro also announced a partnership with Uber that will provide discounted rides through temporary Metro Micro zones in Hollywood and East Los Angeles on match days. The program will offer a $10 discount on eligible trips connecting riders to World Cup transit services.

"Transit is the best, most affordable and most convenient way to get to all the World Cup festivities around LA County," Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said in a statement. "Together with 13 other transit agencies, our longer-distance carrier partners and rideshare partner, Metro will provide a world-class transit experience so fans can get the most out of the World Cup."

The United States is scheduled to face Paraguay on Friday in its World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium. The tournament also will include the FIFA Fan Festival at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and a series of official fan zones throughout the region.

For more information, fans can visit Metro's website.

City News Service