TransLink spending $21.6M to boost transit during World Cup
Nearly $22 million will fund enhanced SkyTrain service, staffing, and wayfinding across Metro Vancouver for the tournament's seven match days at BC Place.
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TransLink is spending $21.6 million on tournament-related public transit enhancements during the FIFA World Cup, fully funded by the FIFA World Cup 2026 Vancouver Host Committee under the City of Vancouver.
The investment mirrors the strategy used for the 2010 Winter Olympics, when VANOC provided TransLink with $17 million to significantly increase service levels. TransLink spokesperson Anita Bathe said the current contribution covers increased public transit services, staffing levels, extensive wayfinding signage, and decorations throughout Metro Vancouver's system, particularly at key downtown transit hubs.
On the seven match days at BC Place Stadium—June 13, 18, 21, 24, 26, and July 2 and 7—SkyTrain's Expo, Millennium, and Canada lines will operate at peak hour frequencies of every 2.5 minutes through Downtown Vancouver during the busiest periods. For three matches beginning in the evening (June 13, June 26, and July 2), all three SkyTrain lines will extend service one hour later than usual, with the last trains departing Downtown after 2 a.m.
TransLink and FIFA organizers are directing ticket holders to exit at Main Street-Science World Station rather than Stadium-Chinatown, which will have its Expo Boulevard entrance closed on match days. From Main Street, fans will follow the vehicle-free "Last Mile" walking route along Pacific Boulevard and Quebec Street to BC Place.
The timing comes amid ongoing labour discussions at Coast Mountain Bus Company, where union members approved a strike mandate in late May. As of June 5, CMBC and Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 have agreed to continue discussions with mediation assistance.