Soccer fans in Los Angeles are turning to public transportation to attend World Cup matches, with tens of thousands of fans using special buses and trains to get to the stadium.
Public Transit Proves Popular
LA Metro, the public transit authority, has reported that over 20,000 people have ridden to each match on the World Cup buses, with many thousands more taking normal buses and trains to the stadium area.
At Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, fans can find help from “ambassadors” who assist with finding buses or the Fan Zone, as well as “calming pods” and hydration centers for those feeling overwhelmed.
According to Armando Roman, a manager in LA Metro’s civil rights, racial equity and inclusion and accessibility group, the calming pods have been used for a variety of purposes, including prayer and breastfeeding.
Fans Praise Public Transit Experience
Fans have praised the public transit experience, with one fan, Crystal Gristina, saying that it was a more affordable and convenient option than renting a car and paying for parking.
Another fan, Brandon Luna, enjoyed the train ride from San Diego, saying it was a fun and relaxing experience.
The use of public transit has been a success for LA Metro, with ridership growing during the tournament.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
