Bay Area transit agency seeks $44 million from the state for added service during World Cup

As the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority gears up for the FIFA World Cup planned in Silicon Valley in 2026, it faces a stark reality: its bus and light rail system will have to transport tens of thousands more riders — paying far more in the cost of additional service than it will recoup from fares.

Now, the VTA is looking to the state to help with the additional cost.

In a Jan. 6 letter to the Bay Area’s legislative caucus, VTA General Manager and CEO Carolyn Gonot asked...