Critical to “event success,” transit agencies are “key players in shaping the visitor experience, which leaves a lasting impact on how cities—and the nation—are perceived globally,” according to the FTA. Among such upcoming events, it said, are the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11-19, 2026) and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (July 14-30, 2028, and Aug. 15-27, 2028, respectively).
“While the private sector and industry associations offer agencies many resources and best practices to operationally prepare for planned major events, few focus on regulatory requirements,” FTA Administrator Marcus J. Molinaro noted in the new FTA Major Event Playbook (download below), which he said “fills that gap and includes practical information and key considerations to help public transit agencies navigate federal transit requirements related to hosting planned major events.”
The 20-page ”playbook” covers such topics as spare, contingency, and loaned transit vehicles; charter service; accessibility and civil rights; safety and security; and incidental use.
FTA also offers the following technical assistance resources to support transit agencies and host cities preparing for major events:
