Metrolink’s Chief Strategy Officer Paul Hubler and Special Projects Director Michael Litschi attend the Department of Transportation Summit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Washington, D.C.
Metrolink is taking decisive steps to ensure Southern California’s rail system is ready to host high-profile global events coming to the region, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Late last year, Metrolink team members traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for regional mobility needs in support of these highly anticipated events and to further engage federal partners in the planning process.
On Dec. 5, 2025, Chief Strategy Officer Paul Hubler and Director of Special Projects Michael Litschi attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup Transportation Planning Summit, hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation at their headquarters. The summit brought together federal, state and local leaders, along with private sector stakeholders, to discuss logistics and coordination for the 11 U.S. host cities, including Los Angeles. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Federal Transit Administration Administrator Marc Molinaro, Executive Director of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Andrew Giuliani, and representatives from FIFA were among those who addressed attendees, highlighting the event’s national scope and the preparations underway to support regional readiness at match sites across the country.
During their visit to the nation’s capital, Paul, Michael and Metrolink’s federal advocacy team met with the Congressional offices of multiple Southern California officials, including Representatives Ken Calvert (CA-41), Norma Torres (CA-35), Young Kim (CA-40), and Pete Aguilar (CA-33). They updated lawmakers on the agency’s planning efforts and related needs and priorities. These discussions underscore the crucial role federal partnerships play in securing funding and support for mega-event host communities. The trip also offered opportunities to engage with peers across the transit and rail industries at the American Public Transportation Association’s Winter Legislative Meeting and Capitol Hill Holiday Reception, as well as the Commuter Rail CEOs Workshop.