World Cup match in Vancouver triggers transit ridership not seen since 2010 Games

World Cup match triggers high transit ridership
World Cup match triggers high transit ridership
Australian fans cheer on their team before a World Cup Group D soccer match, in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timothy Matwey
Writer

Vancouver's first FIFA World Cup game pushed transit ridership levels to heights not seen since the 2010 Winter Games. 

Transit authority TransLink says in a statement that Saturday's match at BC Place between Australia and Turkey saw daily boardings above one million, about 14 per cent higher than an average day. 

However, total daily trips on the entire system, including bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain, reached more than 648,000 that day, about 18 per cent higher than the daily average.

TransLink says ridership around BC Place for the match between Australia and Turkey surpassed both Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts and the Lionel Messi MLS match. 

The biggest increase was seen on the SeaBus, where TransLink reported 24,500 boardings on Saturday — a 37.4 per cent increase from the daily average of 17,800.

Saturday's game, won 2-0 by Australia, was the first of seven games Vancouver is scheduled to host in this year's FIFA World Cup tournament.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2026.

Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

CanadaNews
  • The Canadian Press

    The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms. From breaking regional, national and international stories to the biggest events in politics, business, entertainment and lifestyle, The Canadian Press is there when it matters, giving Canadians an authentic, unbiased source, driven by truth, accuracy and timeliness.

29 Kirkland Signature food products at Costco that are cheaper dupes of name brands

The store-brand versions can help you save money.

A government benefit is offering additional payments of $150 to eligible Canadians

This extra amount could boost your monthly payments to over $350!

$8-million settlement proposed in national beef price-fixing class-action

$8M deal proposed in beef price-fixing case

15 affordable and high-quality items that I always buy at Dollarama

Don't miss out on these!

University of Toronto isn't Canada's top school in this new world university ranking

The big three have competition!

Government of Canada is hiring for jobs that pay almost $40 an hour in these cities

You don't need any work experience.

Canada is home to a giant inland sea with over 1,000 miles of white-sand beaches

Skip the international flight and head here for your summer vacation. ☀️

Here's what you need to know about the $8 million beef class action lawsuit settlement

Canadian residents in all provinces and territories are included in the class actions.

You're not a true Ottawa local unless you've been to at least 10 of these 15 iconic spots

Let's see how local you really are 👀

California Democrat calls for Canada to end U.S. alcohol restrictions

Democrat calls for end to U.S. booze restrictions