The city must leverage 2026 events to build a world-class transit system

Philadelphia is set to host major events in 2026 — from the FIFA World Cup to America’s 250th anniversary — offering a chance to showcase the city and boost its economy. But financial pressures threaten the reliability of the very transit system needed to support this moment.

At the same time, broader economic uncertainties are mounting. Federal tariffs are expected to raise the cost of household items, including cars, putting additional strain on family budgets.

Compounding the challenge, SEPTA is facing a critical funding gap and contemplating drastic cuts in service throughout the region. In this context, commuting is set to become significantly harder and more expensive for everyday Philadelphians, just as the city prepares to welcome millions of visitors.

The Philadelphia Transit Plan outlines long-term mobility goals, but 2026 presents an urgent opportunity to act. To stay competitive and inclusive, the city must invest in an affordable, climate-friendly, and user-centered transit system that serves both residents and millions of expected visitors.

Philadelphia’s multimodal transit network — which includes SEPTA, PATCO, NJ Transit, and private options like Navy Yard shuttles and ferries — is rich in potential but increasingly weighed down by critical structural, financial, and safety concerns.

SEPTA alone served 746,506 daily unlinked passenger trips in March, a 13.5% increase from the previous year. Its systemwide ridership has recovered to 75% of pre-COVID-19 levels, reflecting robust demand across buses, subways, trolleys, and Regional Rail.

But systemic issues persist: staffing shortages, delays, inefficiencies, and breakdowns disrupt commuters reliant on public transit for work, education, and healthcare. Safety concerns, including over 2,100 worker assaults since 2019, and gun violence on buses and stations leave women, the elderly, and children feeling unsafe.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called the 2026 World Cup the equivalent of hosting three Super Bowls a day for a month. And with the city allocating nearly $60 million for events and $500 million to upgrade the airport, public transit must not be overlooked.

Now is the time for all levels of government to upgrade the city’s transit — not just for global events, but to reflect America’s urban leadership and address rising inequality, traffic risks, and environmental challenges.

The need is not just logistical — it’s deeply social and environmental.

Philadelphia’s Gini coefficient rose to 0.52 in 2020, signaling high income inequality. Most residents (56.1%) rely on cars, while only 21.4% use public transit. In 2023, the city ranked eighth-worst nationally for traffic, with drivers losing 146 hours annually — worsening emissions and public health. Traffic deaths rose to 123 in 2023, with pedestrians and cyclists most affected. The city’s Vision Zero plan aims to eliminate these by 2030.

A reliable, affordable transit system can ease this burden, reduce congestion, and ensure the success of 2026 events while driving long-term economic growth.

The economic case is just as strong. The American Public Transportation Association estimates national transit investment could yield $5 billion in GDP and 50,000 jobs per $1 billion spent annually. Philadelphia’s events offer the chance to not only elevate the city on the world stage but also invest in infrastructure that benefits generations to come.

Encouragingly, policy momentum is growing. A White House task force is overseeing World Cup preparations, and several local initiatives are underway:

Still, these steps must go further. One idea: a dedicated tax or surcharge (e.g., carbon tax on vehicle fuel emissions, parking pricing on urban lots, betterment levy on properties gaining value from transit upgrades) could be introduced during 2026 to help fill SEPTA’s budget gap.

Crucially, these investments must prioritize equity, targeting underserved neighborhoods most reliant on transit for access to jobs, schools, and healthcare.

Philadelphia has done much to prepare for 2026. But unless we seize this moment to transform our public transit, the city risks missing its full potential — not just as a global host, but as a model for inclusive, climate-smart urban mobility.

Now is the time to act boldly, invest wisely, and build a system worthy of the city’s history — and its future.

Manish Thakre is a freelance consultant specializing in climate action, resilience, and inclusive urban development. He holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.