TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Salvador Llamas, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Application for 2026 FIFA World Cup Grants
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider authorizing the General Manager, or his designee, to file and execute applications and agreements for 2026 FIFA World Cup assistance grants.
Staff Contact:
Chris Andrichak, Chief Financial Officer
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Safe and Secure Operations
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
Grant funding will support AC Transit’s ability to safely manage increased travel demand and wayfinding support for riders during the 2026 FIFA World Cup while reducing potential overtime costs that would otherwise need to be funded via the operating budget.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
No matching funds are anticipated for the 2026 FIFA World Cup grants. Additionally, these funds would reduce potential overtime and consultant staff costs that would otherwise need to be funded via the operating budget.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
The 2026 World Cup will bring six soccer matches, featuring teams from seven nations, to the San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s) Stadium in Santa Clara this June. The Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC) anticipates a surge in ridership on match days and is calling for modified service hours and enhanced operational, safety, and customer support from transit agencies. As one of the Bay Area’s regional connectors, AC Transit may ramp up services and/or other rider assistance elements to smoothly transport visitors and FIFA volunteers from Oakland airport and hotels to the Stadium, while easing the impact of increased passenger volumes on local riders who depend on AC Transit services for their daily travel. Increased transportation to Alameda, training home of the Australian soccer team, may also be needed for supporters and other interested parties in the area.
In preparation for the release of their call for projects, AC Transit is coordinating with the Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC) on a regional transportation management plan for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AC Transit is awaiting final program guidelines for two 2026 FIFA World Cup federal funding opportunities, both of which are expected to have short application windows:
• FIFA World Cup 2026 Transit Support: This is a one-time Federal Transit Administration (FTA) formula program to support transit agencies in helping fans get to the FIFA World Cup matches safely and on time. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission has been allocated approximately $8.8 million in FTA funds to distribute to transit operators. They are currently determining criteria for disbursing these funds to the operators. Applications from operators are expected to be due in early April.
• FIFA World Cup Grant Program (FWCGP): This is a one-time standalone competitive program released last by fall by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the BAHC applied and anticipate an award of approximately $51 million. Once awarded, they will issue a competitive program for subawards in the region. Applications for subawards are expected to be due in early April.
As with all grants, the terms and conditions (T&C) of the grant have not yet been published prior to award. If awarded, staff and counsel will review the agreement T&C and District policies to ensure the District’s ability to comply.
Once applications have been released and criteria are known, staff will craft applications to incorporate as many projected costs as are eligible, up to $1.5 million. Grant funding may support service adjustments needed to accommodate match-day travel demand, including enhanced service on key corridors and extended service hours. Additionally, grant funding may cover costs for temporary wayfinding signage to help riders navigate AC Transit services during matches and related events; trip-planning and real-time transit information tools; additional patrols at bus stops, transit hubs, and bus-only lanes that serve World Cup travel routes; and additional customer support and operations staffing needed to manage increased passenger volumes.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
Grant funds may cover the cost for service adjustments, customer support, operations staff, additional patrols, wayfinding, and trip-planning tools needed to provide consistent and reliable transit-focused service during the 2026 FIFA World Cup events.
While AC Transit has an estimated budget to accommodate the 2026 FIFA World Cup events, it is unclear how much grant funding will be made available to all transit agencies in the region. Grant guidelines are still being developed.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
If AC Transit does not apply for any 2026 FIFA World Cup grants, projected costs for service adjustments, customer support, operations staff, additional patrols, wayfinding, and trip-planning tools will put additional pressure on AC Transit’s already restricted operating budget. AC Transit may also opt to keep services as is during the 2026 FIFA World Cup events.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Board Policy 324 - Revenue and Grant Policy
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Prepared by:
Regina Tran, Principal Capital Planning Specialist
In Collaboration with:
Howard Der, Senior Transportation Planner
Ronald Erb, Manager of Public Safety and Security
William Wong, Operations Control Center Manager
Emily Heard, Capital Grants and Planning Manager
Approved/Reviewed by:
Aimee L. Steele, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer
Chris Andrichak, Chief Financial Officer
Richard Oslund, Director of Management & Budget
Aaron Vogel, Chief Operating Officer
Claudia Burgos, Executive Director of External Affairs & Customer Experience
Ramakrishna Pochiraju, Executive Director of Planning & Engineering