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Metro is ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all customers going to the matches during FIFA World Cup 2026™ by enhancing the experience with calming rooms, improved wayfinding for the visually impaired and resources to beat the heat.
“People from around the world are visiting Los Angeles during the World Cup and as the official transportation provider for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City, Metro is helping make the trip as stress free and comfortable as possible,” said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair. “We are not only helping riders get to the matches but also providing support services to make their transit experience even better such as a spot to grab a cool drink of water or a place away from the crowds.”
Support for Neurodiverse Customers
On World Cup match days and during the Fan Zone at Union Station from June 25-28, there are inflatable sensory rooms at key transfer stations, including Union Station, 7th Street/Metro Center Station and LAX/Metro Transit Center Station. These temporary, on-site spaces are designed by Kulture City, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to sensory accessibility. These spaces function as a quiet, calming environment for individuals who may become overstimulated by crowds, lighting or noise. For people affected by sensory overload from unfamiliar places, these rooms can provide a respite from travel.
The inflatable rooms feature comfortable seating such as bean bags or mats, an enclosed environment that helps minimize noise and external stimulation, reduced or adjustable lighting, sensory tools such as fidget and tactile items and noise-reducing headphones. Entry is also accessible for individuals using mobility devices.
Expanded Accessibility Tools
Metro also expanded accessibility through a pilot partnership with Waymap, a navigation platform that provides accurate indoor and outdoor wayfinding for blind and visually impaired customers. The technology is available at six rail stations: LAX/Metro Transit Center, Union Station, 7th Street/Metro Center, Civic Center, Wilshire/Vermont, and Vermont/Santa Monica. By June 26, the app will be available at six additional stations: Expo/Crenshaw, Little Tokyo/Arts District, Historic Broadway, Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill, Pershing Square and Vermont/Beverly.
Waymap provides QR codes and direct download links to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Unlike traditional navigation tools that rely on GPS, Waymap uses advanced motion science and digital mapping technology to deliver precise guidance through complex transit environments. If the pilot is successful, and funding is available, Metro will add data from more stations to the app.
Beating the Heat
Metro is also providing hydration stations so that on the hottest days, riders can cool off and hydrate while traveling to and from the matches at LA Stadium. Each hydration station provides water, chilled and tested, for use in reusable water bottles, misting fans, shade canopies, sunscreen and cooling towels. For those without a reusable water bottle, paper cups are available for a cool drink.
The hydration stations are located throughout the system at park and ride locations and 20 stations providing enhanced bus service to the games. Stations include; Downtown Inglewood, Downtown Santa Monica, Fairfax, Leimert Park, Little Tokyo, Mariachi Plaza, Memorial Park, Reseda, Wilshire/Western, LAX/MTC Transit Center, North Hollywood, Union Station, Crenshaw (C Line), El Camino College, Harbor Gateway Transit Center, Hawthorn/Lennox and Pierce College.
Riders can find the Metro hydration stations to refill their reusable water bottles by using the WeTap app interactive map. Additional cooling centers can be located at Cool Spots LA interactive map for cooling centers and hydration stations across LA City and County to cool down during extreme heat days.
Extreme heat and large crowds can make travel more challenging. Whether heading to World Cup matches, a concert, festival or community event, Metro encourages everyone to be prepared for extreme heat days.
“Transit systems are built for people, and they should provide the resources everyone needs to travel safely, comfortably and confidently,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “From navigation tools and calming spaces to hydration stations and other customer amenities, we’re making Metro more accessible, inclusive and welcoming as part of our efforts to serve both Angelenos and visitors during the World Cup.”
The improved accessibility amenities are a part of a larger effort at Metro to make the system better for all its customers. This includes a total of 64 safe and clean Throne restrooms that customers can unlock using a mobile phone, as well as the recent introduction of contactless payments, which allows customers to pay their fare at fare gates using their credit or debit card, and the launch of the Official LA Metro Mobile app, which customers can use to plan their transit route, and receive alerts about any detours or disruptions.
More information and a handy guidebook to help plan and travel safely can be found at Metro.net.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing 2,000 low-emission buses. The latest October 2025 customer experience survey showed that customer satisfaction has risen to 87%.
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