METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

FTA Rolls Out Guidance for FIFA and Olympic Host Cities Navigating Bus Safety Standards

FTA released new video guidance to help transit agencies and host cities meet safety standards for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

Riders board an orange and gray LA Metro bus.

As part of a host city, LA Metro aims to reduce traffic congestion, minimize environmental impact, and ensure a seamless experience for local and international visitors.

Photo: LA Metro

2 min to read


The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) released a video series guiding public transit agencies, private bus operators, and host cities as they prepare to move millions of fans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

“Next summer, America will be on the world stage, and so will our public transportation system,” said FTA Senior Advisor Marc Molinaro. “At FTA, we are committed to equipping our eleven host cities throughout the country with the technical assistance they will need to guarantee their ability to move the immense volume of fans visiting our cities while complying with our safety standards.  This is a major opportunity to showcase our public transportation system and the incredible transit workers and bus operators that move America forward."

Ad Loading...

Transit Readiness for the World Stage

DOT is laying the groundwork in preparation for the World Cup next year. This video series follows guidance initiated through a “Dear Colleague” letter providing technical assistance and support for recipients related to events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order titled “Establishing the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026” to coordinate and assist in the planning, organizing, and executing of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournaments.

FTA encourages transit agencies, private bus operators, and representatives of host cities to contact their respective regional office as questions arise. FTA will continue to provide technical support during preparations for these international events.

More Management

New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Alstom purchasing site for Acela network manufacturing
Railby StaffJune 4, 2026

Alstom Acquires Delaware Site to Support Amtrak NextGen Acela Fleet

The company is investing more than $55 million to acquire and improve the property and will employ approximately 100 people at this site once it is operational.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →
Riders in MARTA bus station
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 4, 2026

Federal Transit Officials Launch MARTA Safety Probe

FTA has given MARTA 15 days to provide records on crime prevention, fare evasion enforcement, and security funding as part of a broader safety investigation.

Read More →
ABA testifies for federal bus regulations

ABA's Ferguson Testifies in Support of BUS Act, National Standards for Bus Operators

The BUSES Act would create a nationwide framework preventing state and local governments from enforcing bus idling restrictions of less than 15 minutes, a threshold consistent with existing Environmental Protection Agency guidance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
World Cup Crowds Will Test Transit Systems
ManagementJune 3, 2026

When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.

Read More →
Jacksonville Transportation Authority America250 bus and transit van.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 3, 2026

Florida’s JTA Puts Innovation in Motion Ahead of America250

The agency unveiled a commemorative America250 bus during a visit from U.S. DOT's Seval Oz and showcased its autonomous mobility programs.

Read More →
A rendering of a California High-Speed Rail vehicle
Railby StaffJune 2, 2026

California Selects Team for Nation’s First True High-Speed Rail Track and Systems Contract

The board action follows completion of track installation at the 150-acre southern railhead in Kern County, which will serve as the staging and distribution hub for high-speed track and systems installation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technologyby StaffJune 2, 2026

IndyGo, Cleveland RTA Expand Digital Fare Payment Options with Masabi

The new systems combine mobile apps, smart cards, and automatic fare capping to simplify payments, expand flexibility, and help riders access the lowest available fares.

Read More →