Los Angeles Aims for Car-Free Olympics in 2028

As Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympic Games, significant transportation challenges loom, particularly due to the city's sprawling layout. Many residents rely on cars, often facing traffic congestion, which diminishes the likelihood of using public transit. Juan Matute, deputy director of the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies, emphasizes the political hurdles city leaders must navigate to fulfill the promise of a car-free Olympic experience. Despite ongoing rail expansions, experts like Reynolds suggest that buses will play a crucial role in transportation during the Games. Plans include the use of electric yellow school buses and dedicated bus lanes to efficiently transport attendees to Olympic venues. Some of these bus hubs will be integrated into existing transit stations, while others will serve as standalone areas for community engagement and fan zones. To enhance the Olympic experience, certain streets will be closed to vehicles, allowing the city to showcase its vibrant neighborhoods and culture. Metro has secured approximately $17 billion for transportation projects but still requires an additional $3 billion to complete its plans. The infrastructure developed for the Olympics is expected to have lasting impacts, although changing public transportation habits may take longer. The upcoming Olympics, along with other major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Super Bowl, present a pivotal opportunity for Los Angeles to shift its public transportation paradigm. Matute notes that the concept of a transit-first approach has gained traction, and the recent commitment from the mayor's office signals a potential turning point for the city's transit system.