FIFA Special Use Lane Designation
Motion 14 · Council Meeting, February 24, 2026
Summary
- Council approved allowing FIFA-accredited vehicles to travel (but not stop) in Vancouver's special use lanes — currently reserved for buses and cyclists — from June 11 to July 19, 2026, to support the FIFA World Cup 26 tournament.
- This measure fulfills a mobility obligation under the Host City Agreement between the City of Vancouver and FIFA, which requires safe and efficient movement of FIFA constituent groups including teams, match officials, dignitaries, and workforce.
- The number of FIFA-accredited vehicles is described as relatively small, and staff expect minimal disruption to existing transit and cycling operations during the temporary designation period.
- Because several of Vancouver's special use lanes fall within 800 metres of a provincial arterial highway, provincial ministerial approval is legally required before the designation can take effect; Council directed the Mayor to write to the BC Minister of Transportation and Transit to seek that authorization.
- Specific street segments requiring ministerial sign-off include portions of Granville Street, West Georgia Street, East Hastings Street, McGill Street, West 41st Avenue, and Pender Street.
- There are no financial implications associated with this temporary measure.