Los Angeles Prepares for Traffic Challenges Ahead of Olympics

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has proactively addressed concerns regarding the city's notorious traffic congestion as the city gears up to host the Olympics for the third time. In her opening remarks, Bass emphasized the importance of expanding the public transportation system to facilitate a "no-car Games." She outlined a plan that includes utilizing 3,000 buses from across the country and encouraging local businesses to allow employees to work from home during the 17-day event to alleviate traffic. Bass acknowledged the historical anxiety surrounding traffic during the 1984 Olympics, which ultimately proved unfounded. However, she noted that securing commitments from LA-based businesses for remote work arrangements remains a challenge. To mitigate congestion, she proposed discussions with major employers about staggering work hours, a strategy that was successfully implemented four decades ago. In addition to traffic management, Bass highlighted the ongoing issue of homelessness in Los Angeles, with over 75,000 unhoused individuals reported in the county. Drawing comparisons to the Paris Games, where organizers relocated thousands of unhoused people, Bass assured that similar efforts are underway in Los Angeles to address this pressing concern. Furthermore, Bass and other organizers are collaborating with federal authorities on security measures for the Games. While acknowledging that the outcome of the upcoming presidential election may influence the event, both Bass and Wasserman expressed confidence that political divisions would not detract from the Olympic experience.