'STEP BACKWARDS': World Cup will have 'ravine strategy,' but not free transit
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A not-yet-released City of Toronto environmental plan, mandated by FIFA and received by the Toronto Sun after a freedom-of-information request, shows the soccer federation and the municipal government will use an array of topics, including several tied to diversity and labour matters, to sell the soccer celebration as being as earth-friendly as it can be.
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That comes despite the tournament taking 'a huge step backwards' by not offering free transit for ticket holders.
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In a brief statement, Sharon Bollenbach, executive director of the city's World Cup secretariat, confirmed the Sun has the most recent edition of the environmental document, Version 5, dated September 2024. Updates to the plan and 'other components of the city's legacy framework' should be released late this year or early in 2026, she said.
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'The current plan is for accredited volunteers to receive complimentary transit access during the tournament,' Bollenbach added.
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A TTC spokesperson confirmed to the Sun that World Cup host cities are required to offer free transit for volunteers, but said no other fare concessions are currently in the plans.
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Just last year, news reports said World Cup ticket holders would get free access to the TTC.
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Included in the freedom-of-information disclosure were notes from a January 2024 meeting that was attended by two city bureaucrats and representatives from FIFA and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which operates BMO Field.
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However, 'since 2014, free transit has been offered for all ticket holders, so not offering this would be a huge step backwards in 2026,' the notes add.
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A section of the environmental plan, headlined 'low carbon transportation,' says one of Toronto's objectives is to 'enhance active and public transportation accessibility and efficiency' for the tournament. It says other 'potential initiatives' are being considered, such as free parking at TTC lots, increased service from GO Transit stations, and more bike racks and bike share stations at BMO Field.
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Free transit wasn't the only thing that was dropped. Later versions of the environmental plan omit a section that references what is required by FIFA, such as 'The City of Toronto shall inform what recycling and composting services for waste will be provided at all tournament sites.'
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