Safety and Transportation During the FIFA World Cup

May 22

Community Safety & Mobility Guide: World Cup 2026

With Vancouver hosting one of the world's largest sporting events this summer, the Mount Pleasant Community Policing Centre is committed to helping residents and visitors navigate the city safely. Increased foot traffic, major events, and road closures will impact our neighbourhood, particularly around BC Place and the PNE.

Here is what you need to know to stay safe and move during the tournament.

Personal Safety & Situational Awareness

Large-scale international events naturally bring dense crowds and a high volume of visitors, which can lead to an increase in opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing or theft. To protect yourself and your belongings:

Secure Personal Property: Keep essential valuables (phones, wallets) in your front pockets—ideally zipped. Avoid displaying expensive items in crowded public spaces, and leave non-essential jewelry at home.
Maintain Visual and Auditory Awareness: When walking through high-traffic areas, keep your head up and limit the use of headphones or earbuds to maintain full situational awareness.
Stick to Well-Lit Routes: Plan your travel along populated, well-lit thoroughfares. Avoid shortcuts through isolated areas, unlit parks, or construction zones.
Crowd Safety Management: In extremely dense crowds, maintain your footing, stay upright, and keep your arms positioned to protect your chest space.
See Something, Say Something: If you observe any suspicious behaviour, unattended items, or hazardous situations, report them immediately to event security, transit staff, or local law enforcement.

Transportation & Major Road Closures

Significant long-term and temporary traffic disruptions will be in effect around the East End of False Creek and the stadium district to facilitate pedestrian traffic and security zones.

Long-Term Closures (May 23 – Late July): Pacific Boulevard will be completely closed to through traffic for the duration of the tournament, with several adjacent local roads restricted to local residents and business access only.
Match-Day Restrictions: On the seven designated match days, road closures will expand substantially to encompass almost all vehicle access routes surrounding BC Place. Drivers should expect heavy delays and are strongly encouraged to utilize public transit.

Public Transit Adjustments

Please be advised that TransLink services will be adjusted to accommodate increased ridership during the World Cup. Plan your travel in advance and expect higher-than-normal volume on all routes.

Service Increases & Extended Hours

Enhanced Service: Bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express services will operate on increased frequencies throughout the tournament.
Extended SkyTrain Hours: On match days featuring kickoff times at 8:00 PM or later, SkyTrain service will be extended by one hour to ensure safe, reliable travel home.

Specialized Shuttle Services

PNE Shuttle: A dedicated event shuttle will operate between the PNE, the Expo Line (29th Avenue Station), and the Millennium Line (Renfrew Station).

Station Access & BC Place Restrictions (Match Days)

To manage crowd flow and ensure public safety around BC Place on match days, special boarding and routing measures will be in effect:

Stadium-Chinatown & Yaletown-Roundhouse: Both stations will remain fully operational; however, direct gate access to BC Place will be restricted.
Primary Stadium Access: Spectators heading to the match should exit at Main Street–Science World Station and follow the designated "Last Mile" walking route to the stadium.

Stay Informed: Official Resources & Live Updates

To minimize delays and ensure a smooth commute, we encourage all residents, businesses, and visitors to check these official channels for real-time information throughout the tournament:

Transit Schedules & Alerts: For comprehensive transit updates, route planning, and dedicated World Cup transit schedules, visit the TransLink World Cup Hub. You can also sign up for text/email alerts for your specific routes at translink.ca/alerts.
Road Closures & Local Access Passes: The City of Vancouver and the Host Committee have published detailed, interactive closure maps (including information on the long-term Pacific Boulevard closure and match-day restrictions). If you live or work in the restricted zone, you can apply for a Local Traffic Access Pass at the Vancouver World Cup Host City Community Hub.
City Traffic & Parking Violations: Download the Van311 app or check vancouver.ca for real-time traffic delays, city notices, or to report local municipal issues like illegal parking blocking neighbourhood access.
On-Transit Safety Reporting: If you notice anything unusual, suspicious, or unsafe while taking transit, you can directly and discreetly text Transit Police at 87-77-77 (or call 604-515-8300). Always call 911 in an immediate emergency.

Elijah Adrian (Volunteer)