local
LA uses World Cup to show off upgraded public transit and test plans to hold car-free Olympics
By JAIMIE DING, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
LOS ANGELES (AP) — When Matthew Smith took his five-year-old son to a World Cup game in the Los Angeles area earlier this month, they opted to take public transit instead of driving from their nearby coastal city. It was Smith's first time on the LA Metro in a decade, and the experience exceeded ...
Key takeaway It was Smith's first time on the LA Metro in a decade, and the experience exceeded his [...
Why this matters in The Odessa
As Odessa residents consider their own transportation options, the success of Los Angeles' public transit system during the World Cup is worth noting. With Ector County's growing population and bustling oil industry, traffic congestion is a familiar issue. While Odessa's public transportation needs are distinct from those of a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles, the idea of investing in efficient and reliable transit systems is relevant. As the city looks to the future, it may be useful to explore ways to enhance its own transportation infrastructure, potentially incorporating lessons from other cities that have effectively managed large events and everyday commutes. By examining the experiences of cities like Los Angeles, Odessa can better understand how to meet the needs of its own residents and visitors, and create a more sustainable and convenient transportation network.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LOS ANGELES (AP) — When Matthew Smith took his five-year-old son to a World Cup game in the Los Angeles area earlier this month, they opted to take public transit instead of driving from their nearby coastal city. It was Smith's first time on the LA Metro in a decade, and the experience exceeded ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by JAIMIE DING, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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