SBCTA funds extra World Cup Metrolink trips as budget gap looms

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority approved $30,000 from prior-year surplus funds to help pay for extra Metrolink service during 2026 World Cup events, a small local spending decision that will affect riders headed to Los Angeles as well as county commuters who depend on the rail system.

SBCTA’s June 10 update also warned that Metrolink’s operator, SCRRA, is facing a projected systemwide budget gap of nearly $30 million for the next fiscal year. The agency said the shortfall is being driven by lower-than-expected fare revenue, reduced contributions from LA Metro and OCTA, and higher operating costs.

The added money is for special tournament service, not a permanent schedule expansion. Metrolink said its World Cup schedule will add 48 trains over 10 days, including special service on the San Bernardino Line during the Los Angeles match days and the Union Station fan-zone dates.

Why San Bernardino Line riders should care

For San Bernardino County commuters, the bigger question is whether the system can protect regular service while cutting costs elsewhere. SBCTA said its priorities in the budget talks include protecting weekday peak-hour service on the San Bernardino Line, keeping strong Arrow connections, and avoiding service patterns that could create delays for riders.

County transit data show why that matters: the San Bernardino Line is Metrolink’s highest-ridership line, with about 30% of system ridership and a 28% jump in weekday ridership compared with 2022/23. The county’s transit indicators page also says the four Metrolink lines serving the Inland Empire carried 3.33 million riders in 2023/24, though ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Metrolink announced the World Cup special service on May 21 and said standard fares will apply. The regional budget review is still moving through the public process, including Title VI review, so the service mix is still being worked out.

For now, the local takeaway is straightforward: county riders should expect extra train options tied to the World Cup, but the more consequential question is whether the San Bernardino Line’s core weekday schedule can be protected as the rail system works through a major budget gap.

Sources

• SBCTA board update on additional Metrolink World Cup service and budget status
• Metrolink special service announcement for FIFA World Cup 2026 events in Los Angeles
• San Bernardino County Community Indicators transit page