With about 100 days left before the World Cup, Metro Wednesday said it will provide limited parking availability at several of its rail stations and partnership sites to connect customers with a direct trip to soccer matches in the summer.
“Metro is the smartest, safest, easiest, and most fun way to get to the World Cup,” Fernando Dutra, Metro Board chair and Whittier city councilman, said in a statement. “Instead of paying for some of the most expensive stadium parking or sitting in traffic, people can focus on what matters most — celebrating the love of soccer with fellow fans from around the world while going to and from the games.”
The international soccer tournament is set to begin in the summer with eight games to be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Residents and visitors can choose to park their vehicles at Metro locations and take a ride on the rail system. Metro will provide limited parking at several of its locations and partner sites such as: Crenshaw Station, downtown Long Beach, El Camino College, Harbor Gateway Transit Center, Hawthorne/Lennox Station, LA Union Station, LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, North Hollywood Station and Pierce College.
Additional locations will be announced in the coming months, according to the transit agency.
Metro’s World Cup service will get fans to the Los Angeles Stadium up to three hours before kickoff and the last service will depart up to 90 minutes after the match ends.
Fares for the enhanced service will be the same as regular Metro fares, $1.75 one-way and $3.50 round-trip.
Parking reservations are now available, which can be booked at metro.net/worldcup. Pricing will differ by location.
Early-bird pricing is currently in effect, ranging from $55 to $95, plus a service fee. Compared to the other parking pricing where rates will be more than two and three times the Metro rates, fans are encouraged to make their plans and book early for discounted Metro parking rates.
“The World Cup is more than just a popular tournament, it’s a moment of national and global significance,” Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said in a statement. “And it’s a transformative moment for Metro. We are ready to be the first choice for transportation for those enjoying World Cup matches in Los Angeles, delivering fast, safe and easy transit tailored to the scale of this event.”
Metro is partnering with more than 10 regional transit providers and charter companies to deliver the service, including Long Beach Transit.
“Public transportation is a powerful force that connects communities on a truly global stage during the World Cup,” Long Beach Transit CEO Kenneth McDonald said in a statement. “At Long Beach Transit, we’re proud to welcome the world by delivering dependable mobility that brings fans, families and cultures together.”
Metro is expected to place new signage in multiple languages to help customers navigate the system. The agency also has plans to deploy extra ambassadors, volunteers and security to aid riders.