SEPTA infrastructure improvements prepared for World Cup

SEPTA infrastructure improvements are being prepared for FIFA World Cup 2026™ events in Philadelphia, with NRG Station and other busy locations set for upgrades, added service, and extra staffing.

The agency announced the preparations on June 10, 2026⁠, as it readies the network for thousands of fans traveling to matches. SEPTA said the B will be the main transit option for reaching Philadelphia Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, through NRG Station.

SEPTA infrastructure improvements at NRG Station

To support travel through the Sports Complex, SEPTA brought forward several planned capital improvements at NRG Station. The work covers platform resurfacing, a new roof, a new ventilation system, upgraded lighting, waterproofing improvements, and new wayfinding signs.

“SEPTA is ready to show that our first-class transit system is ready for world-class events,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “With SEPTA’s long-term funding still unsettled, we were strategic and cost-conscious when allocating resources for system improvements ahead of these events, and we managed to find a balance that will benefit customers for the short- and long-term.”

The agency also pointed to its use of station naming rights agreements, which it described as a way to support customer improvements while helping offset regular costs. SEPTA said its partnership with NRG has been in place for the last nine years.

“As a hometown energy provider, NRG is proud to support the city during this exciting summer and join partners like SEPTA to help keep this city moving,” said Keri Murschell, Director of Community & Sponsorship Marketing at NRG. “That same commitment drives how we show up every day for our customers and communities through continued investments across Philadelphia.”

SEPTA also made improvements to other stations expected to see heavy use during the World Cup, America 250 events, the MLB All-Star Game, and related festivities.

At City Hall Station, the work includes fare line and lighting enhancements, along with platform resurfacing. The South Broad Concourse is receiving new cameras, bi-directional roto-gates, a cashier booth, and wayfinding signs. At 2nd St Station, SEPTA is carrying out headhouse rehabilitation.

Other work includes enhanced lighting and painting of the pedestrian bridge linking Regional Rail and the B at Fern Rock Transit Center. Center City Regional Rail Stations are receiving lighting upgrades and painting, while Oregon Station is getting a new roof, a new ventilation system, and improved lighting.

Added SEPTA service for World Cup matches

For FIFA World Cup service⁠, SEPTA said it will provide additional service for all six matches and for the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill.

On match days, extra B trips will operate to and from NRG Station. Airbnb will sponsor free rides home from NRG Station beginning at halftime and continuing for two hours after each match ends.

SEPTA expects about 31,000 riders for each match. With added service and capacity, the agency said the B will be able to carry about 15,000 people per hour. Riders were also advised to expect longer-than-usual lines at NRG Station.

The B and L will run overnight on match days, with trains operating every 30 minutes to selected stations.

Regional Rail will also be adjusted on match days. The last regularly scheduled trains on the Wilmington/Newark Line will be extended to provide service from Center City to Claymont Transit Center. On June 19 and July 4, most Regional Rail lines will offer additional late-night service.

For the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, SEPTA will add service on Bus Routes 32 and 48. Both routes serve the Lemon Hill area and will run frequent weekday service every 15 minutes or less from 6 am to 9 pm.

SEPTA said further details about FIFA World Cup service are available at septa.org/2026-events⁠.

Safety, ambassadors, and cleaning plans

The agency also outlined its safety and security preparations. SEPTA Transit Police are coordinating with Philadelphia Police and regional and federal law enforcement partners. Transit police officers will be assigned to each match on game days, and additional units will be placed on trains and at stations.

SEPTA encouraged passengers to use the SEPTA app to report safety and security issues discreetly.

The agency is also introducing a hands-on customer service training initiative for employees assisting riders across the system. More than 700 employees are expected to cover over 1,100 ambassador shifts.

Cleaning and maintenance will also be expanded during the event period. SEPTA said more than 700 cleaners and maintenance personnel will be deployed across the system to help keep stations and vehicles clean.

The agency will also use “pit crews” for mid-route cleaning of B and L cars during the service day. Stations will be monitored closely during peak periods so issues can be addressed as quickly as possible.

SEPTA said more information is available through its official channels, including @SEPTA and the official SEPTA app.