Skip to content
June 19, 2026 - Media Release

Ridership data shows crowds took transit from all over Metro Vancouver to support Team Canada

Richmond, Burnaby, and Tri-Cities see major ridership surge

World Cup match 2 Canada full size

VANCOUVER, BC – Fans took transit in droves to witness Canada's historic first win of the men's FIFA World Cup™.

Transit use skyrocketed throughout the region, reflecting excitement for the tournament and confidence in the transit system across Metro Vancouver for locals and visitors alike. Ridership growth was especially strong in Richmond, Burnaby and the Tri-Cities.

Top 10 SkyTrain station growth (excluding downtown stations and FIFA Fan Festival shuttle stations)

SkyTrain Station boardings June 19 2026

Ridership was also strong in Surrey, with Scott Road Station seeing an increase of 21.8 per cent and King George Station a growth of 13.1 per cent. YVR–Airport Station also saw a major increase of 23.6 per cent, as visitors continue to arrive from around the world for the tournament.

System-wide, June 18, 2026 saw the highest ridership on TransLink’s system since early 2020. Across the system, there were more than 1.36 million boardings and approximately 849,100 trips — an 18 per cent increase in boardings compared to a typical Thursday.

World Cup match 2 Canada parade SkyTrain

See below for TransLink’s full preliminary ridership report for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver match on June 18, 2026:

TransLink match 2 ridership report

The overall increase in ridership shows the important role transit plays in moving customers during major events, while also continuing to help people get to work, school, and other destinations across the region.

World Cup match 2 Canada parade

Notes:

  • A boarding occurs every time someone boards any transit vehicle.
  • A trip is a full transit journey from end to end including transfers. One trip may have several boardings due to transfers.
  • “A typical day” is defined as what ridership was projected to be if the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver was not taking place. It is calculated through recent ridership patterns and last year’s ridership on the same day.
  • This ridership report is based on preliminary data; exact figures may change as ridership estimates are finalized.

Media downloads:
Photos of TransLink’s system on match day are available to download here

Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations 
E: media@translink.ca