local
LA uses World Cup to show off upgraded public transit and test plans to hold car-free Olympics
By Jaimie Ding, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 9, 2026
· 5 min read
When Matthew Smith took his five-year-old son to a World Cup game in the Los Angeles area earlier this month, they opted to take public transit instead of driving from their nearby coastal city.It was Smith's first time on the LA Metro in a decade, and the experience exceeded his expectations. “S...
Key takeaway That is the reaction Metro officials were hoping for as they used the 2026 FIFA World Cup's eight LA games to introduce — or reintroduce — people to the region's public transit system, often an afterthought in car-centric Los Angeles.
Why this matters in The Pearland
The success of Los Angeles' public transit system during the World Cup games has implications for other car-centric cities like Pearland , where residents often rely on personal vehicles for transportation. As Pearland continues to grow and develop, its transportation needs will likely evolve, and the city may look to examples like Los Angeles for inspiration. The use of shuttle lines and borrowed buses to meet increased demand during large events could be a model for Pearland to follow when hosting its own community events. Furthermore, the efforts of LA Metro to address safety concerns and improve the overall transit experience may inform similar initiatives in Pearland, where public safety and transportation are ongoing topics of discussion. By watching how Los Angeles navigates the challenges of hosting large events without parking, Pearland can gain valuable insights into how to manage its own transportation needs and create a more sustainable, efficient system for its residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When Matthew Smith took his five-year-old son to a World Cup game in the Los Angeles area earlier this month, they opted to take public transit instead of driving from their nearby coastal city.It was Smith's first time on the LA Metro in a decade, and the experience exceeded his expectations. “S...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jaimie Ding, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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