LA Metro will spend nearly $1 million on shuttle buses to transport fans to and from eight FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium this summer. The goal is simple: reduce traffic congestion and avoid major parking problems around the stadium in Inglewood.
Metro’s board approved $986,231 on Feb. 26 to charter buses from a private contractor for three direct routes. The eight matches at SoFi are part of the larger FIFA World Cup tournament, which includes 104 matches worldwide.
Three Shuttle Routes to SoFi Stadium
The shuttle services will operate during the World Cup from June 11 to July 19 and will run from:
- El Camino College in Torrance, at a cost of $493,110
- LAX area hotels and parking lots, at a cost of $390,774
- Metro G Line Pierce College Station in Woodland Hills, at a cost of $102,347
Metro estimates the three routes will serve about 25,000 fans attending SoFi matches.
Shuttle riders will likely pay Metro’s base fare of $1.75 one way.
Avoiding Traffic and High Parking Costs
Traffic near SoFi Stadium is expected to be heavy during the tournament. Official parking for FIFA matches has been reported at $250 to $300 per vehicle.
Ticket prices for SoFi matches range from about $140 to $2,700, depending on seating and matchup.
Metro hopes expanded bus service will reduce the number of cars on surrounding freeways and city streets.
Foundation for the 2028 Olympics
Metro officials say World Cup transportation planning is also preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Everything we are doing for the World Cup will set the foundation for the Olympics,” said Chief Operations Officer Conan Cheung.
Metro estimates it will need about 300 buses running expanded routes during the World Cup. About 200 buses will be borrowed from 11 transit agencies, including Foothill Transit, Riverside Transit Agency, Montebello Transit, and OC Transportation Authority.
OC Transit will operate buses from the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center near Angel Stadium.
Chartered School Buses Fill the Gap
The remaining 100 buses will come from Zum Services, a private contractor based in Redwood City. Many of these vehicles are school buses available during the summer months.
About half run on compressed natural gas, while the others use diesel or gasoline.
Zum Services has previously provided transportation for Los Angeles Unified School District, Pasadena Unified School District, the L.A. Marathon, and the NBA All-Star Game.
Accessibility Concerns
The chartered buses do not have wheelchair lifts. Because they are privately chartered and not federally funded, they are not required to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Metro will supplement the service with Access Services vans for riders with disabilities.
Supervisor Janice Hahn said she was surprised charter buses are not required to meet ADA standards. Metro officials said accommodations will be available through alternative vehicles.
Fan Zones Across Los Angeles County
In addition to SoFi Stadium transportation, Metro is expanding service to nine World Cup fan zones where spectators can watch matches on large screens.
Fan zone locations include:
- Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park
- Whittier Narrows Park
- Venice Beach
- The Original Farmers Market
- Los Angeles Union Station
- Fairplex in Pomona
- West Harbor
- LA Memorial Coliseum
- City of Downey
- Hansen Dam Recreation Area
Metro has also identified 11 additional transit routes to serve both stadium events and fan zones.
The dates and times of the fan zones are scattered to coincide with the different matches. (https://www.dailynews.com/2026/01/28/l-a-world-cup-host-committee-unveils-fan-engagement-plans/)
