Mallon: 2026 sports events will test Silicon Valley’s transit system

As the Bay Area gets ready to host Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium this February, transit agencies are ramping up preparation. With tens of thousands of fans expected from across the country  — and the 2026 FIFA World Cup later in the year — getting people to and from the Levi’s Stadium quickly, safely and reliably is a top priority for VTA, Caltrain, BART and other transit agencies.

The Super Bowl isn’t uncharted territory for our region. Ten years ago, during Super Bowl 50, VTA carried about 9,500 riders to and from Levi’s Stadium and used mobile ticketing apps to improve efficiency.

Recently, the system has faced even more pressure as more concerts and events have come to Levi’s Stadium. During the Taylor Swift Eras Tour stop in 2023, VTA broke the previous Levi’s Stadium ridership record with an estimated 23,400 boardings. That number was more than twice the Super Bowl 50 ridership, underscoring just how much demand transit can see during major events. Agencies, including VTA and Caltrain, ran extra service to meet the surge and ultimately carried all passengers. However, unprecedented demand led to longer boarding times and multi-hour efforts to clear crowds after the show.

Those experiences and lessons have shaped how agencies are preparing now. Bay Area transit agencies and partners have been meeting and coordinating for years in anticipation of the region’s major 2026 events, using Super Bowl 50, concerts, playoff games and other major events as real-world stress tests.

One of the most important changes riders can expect for the Super Bowl is additional service. VTA plans to run extra light rail trains and buses to Levi’s Stadium to meet the increase in demand and reduce crowding. Caltrain and other regional transit agencies are also expected to adjust schedules and staff to accommodate the massive influx of ridership. This kind of event service is critical, as frequency and capacity matter the most when tens of thousands of people are trying to leave the same place at the same time.

But moving Super Bowl fans isn’t just about running more buses and trains — it’s also about helping riders navigate the system. Clear signage and wayfinding are especially important for first-time visitors to the Bay Area. Apps like Transit, Google and Apple maps help riders plan routes, track real-time arrivals and get where they need to go.

Another key lesson from past events is the importance of contactless and prepaid fares. During previous events, riders were encouraged to load Clipper cards and buy passes in advance, but contactless payment will make it even easier for riders to pay by simply tapping a credit or debit card.

Ultimately, Super Bowl 60 will be more than just a football game — it will be a major test of our transit system. It represents an opportunity to show fans, visitors, resident and the world Bay Area transit can rise to the occasion. If agencies apply the lessons learned from Super Bowl 50, concerts and other high-demand events, this February could demonstrate what our transit system looks like at its best and why investing in it is worthwhile long after the final whistle.

San José Spotlight columnist Monica Mallon is a transit advocate and rider in Santa Clara County. Mallon’s columns appear on the first Thursday of every other month. Contact Mallon at [email protected] or follow @MonicaMallon on X/Twitter.