Toronto’s recent hosting of the FIFA World Cup has highlighted the potential of the city’s public transportation system, demonstrating that with focused investment and planning, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) can significantly enhance the travel experience for its users. In a meeting with city councillors, TTC officials shared insights gained from the international event, which they believe will inform future transit strategies.
Enhanced Service During Major Events
Mandeep Lali, the new CEO of the TTC, alongside his leadership team, presented key successes from the World Cup to city councillors. According to Josh Colle, the organisation’s chief strategy and customer experience officer, the media response was overwhelmingly positive, accompanied by a remarkable 92 per cent satisfaction rate among riders on four crucial routes leading to and from the stadium.
“The World Cup provided an unparalleled opportunity to evaluate our services under exceptional circumstances,” noted Fortunato Monaco, interim COO of the TTC. He emphasised that the insights gained would be applied to upcoming events, including the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and the Canadian National Exhibition, ensuring that the public transport experience continues to improve.
Significant Increases in Ridership
The TTC reported a staggering 42 per cent increase in ridership on five primary surface routes serving BMO Field, which was temporarily renamed Toronto Stadium for the tournament. This surge accounted for 1.14 million trips, compared to just 802,000 during the same period in 2025.
Cameron Penman, who oversees the TTC’s Wheel-Trans service, highlighted the challenges presented by the influx of visitors. Early in the tournament, it became evident that many attendees were not familiar with TTC signage, leading to confusion regarding stop closures and pedestrian routes. In response, the TTC promptly implemented clearer wayfinding signs and increased on-site staff to assist riders.
Innovations and Operational Improvements
As the tournament progressed, the TTC quickly adapted to emerging challenges. By the second game date, officials identified bottlenecks at Presto payment stations outside the stadium. To alleviate delays, the TTC deployed additional staff equipped with handheld fare scanners.
Monaco explained that the implementation of express corridors as part of the city’s RapidTO initiative also reduced travel times significantly. However, he stressed that improvements were not solely reliant on new infrastructure; small operational changes, such as adjusting traffic signal timings, played a crucial role in enhancing service efficiency.
On one of the hottest days of the year, during Toronto’s final match featuring Portugal, the TTC faced additional strains on its infrastructure. Mina Papic, the manager of climate and resilience, explained that the extreme heat posed risks to the electrical systems, leading to proactive measures such as reducing service on certain streetcar lines.
Customer Feedback and Future Planning
Colle reported that customer feedback during the World Cup was largely favourable, with many riders appreciating the innovations introduced, including updated information displays at bus stops and enhanced communication systems. “These are features we aim to integrate into the everyday experience of TTC users,” he affirmed.
The TTC is currently analysing data collected during the World Cup, with a comprehensive report expected to be presented to the board in early 2027. This analysis will further refine the lessons learned and help shape future transit operations.
Why it Matters
The success of the TTC during the FIFA World Cup illustrates the critical role that effective public transit plays in accommodating large-scale events. The insights gained not only enhance the visitor experience but also offer valuable lessons for everyday riders and future city events. As Toronto continues to evolve, the emphasis on improving public transportation systems will be paramount, ensuring that both locals and visitors can navigate the city with ease and satisfaction.
