U2 Concert Costs Transit Agency $61K

The Bay Area agency had to extend service into the night hours when the show ran overtime.

1 minute read

May 26, 2017, 2:00 PM PDT

By Elana Eden


Berlin Subway

elbud / Shutterstock

Fifty thousand people bought tickets to see U2 play Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara May 17, filling the arena to capacity. But the city is less than thrilled: The show ended at 11, an hour past Santa Clara's 10 p.m. curfew.

"That forced the Valley Transportation Authority — which provides light-rail service to the stadium — to add 11 extra after-hours trains to accommodate the 6,500 concertgoers who would have otherwise been stranded at the stadium," costing the agency about $61,000, explains the San Francisco Chronicle.

It's actually not unusual for the VTA to spend this much on an event at Levi's Stadium. But this time, the 49ers didn't respond to a request to help cover costs.

"Public transportation is not intended to make money, but we are facing a $21 million deficit," a spokesperson told the paper.

City officials have said the 49ers will be fined for the curfew violation. The penalty is $1,000.

Sunday, May 21, 2017 in San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

June 15 - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

June 15 - The Washington Post