United for Infrastructure Newsletter | July 14, 2026
World Cup success validates transit investments
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup well underway, transit networks in host cities are setting new benchmarks for ridership and reliability. Early data from agencies in Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York show double-digit increases in daily boardings compared to pre-tournament averages. Although transit operations during the global sporting event hasn’t been completely without hiccups or delays, it offers proof that smart planning and sustained infrastructure investment pays off when capacity meets demand.
World Cup fans board the Trinity Railway Express, jointly owned and operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Trinity Metro. | Courtesy of DART
World Cup drives record public transit ridership in US match cities (Smart Cities Dive)
Transit agencies in several FIFA World Cup host cities have reported record-setting ridership on certain game days, according to data compiled by the American Public Transportation Association.
World meets DART: FIFA World Cup fans ‘pleasantly surprised’ with North Texas public transit (The Dallas Morning News)
Public transportation in Northern Texas has fared better than expected, reports The Dallas Morning News, accommodating millions of riders across weeks of FIFA festivities.
Feared World Cup NYC transit meltdowns have yet to materialize. So far at least. (New York Daily News)
Despite fears of World Cup gridlock and mass transit meltdowns, traffic is moving faster than usual on NYC streets on match days, reports the New York Daily News, and mass transit options appear to be delivering fans to and from the games without major hiccups.
Metro ridership climbs as World Cup fans put LA transit to the test (Spectrum News)
Fans from abroad and locals in Los Angeles said getting to matches using Metro’s enhanced bus service has been easier than expected, Spectrum News reported.
GIIA poll shows support for private investment in U.S. infrastructure
Americans are increasingly open to using private capital to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, according to a new poll that UFI Partnership Network member GIIA conducted alongside global marketing firm Ipsos. Only 25% of respondents say they are happy with current U.S. infrastructure, while three-quarters of Americans surveyed believe infrastructure investment will boost the economy and create jobs.
The poll shows broad support for blended public‑private financing models, with more than 60% backing private or P3 delivery if it means projects arrive on time. Americans also view private financing as key to deploying new technology and maintaining assets in good condition. Top infrastructure priorities among those surveyed were water and sewage, followed by roads, clean energy, and rail.
Join calls for sustained infrastructure investment
Robust, sustained federal infrastructure investment keeps America competitive, strengthens communities, and delivers the infrastructure our economy needs for decades to come. For every $1 invested in infrastructure, an estimated $3 is returned to the U.S. economy.
As a leading national coalition, UFI advocates for significant and continued investment in America’s infrastructure, from roads and bridges to broadband, energy grids, and water and sewer systems. We encourage you to use the resources below and join us in advocating for robust, sustained federal funding.
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