Get ready for some big changes in Los Angeles as the city gears up for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. In a bold move, Mayor Karen Bass announced on Saturday that the Games will be car-free, meaning spectators will need to rely on public transportation to attend events. This decision is part of a larger effort to address LA’s notorious traffic and push for a greener, more sustainable city during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Speaking at a press conference in Paris, as the 2024 Games wrapped up, Bass tackled the issue head-on. LA’s traffic is legendary, and with the influx of visitors expected for the Olympics, the potential for gridlock is real. But Bass is determined to keep the city moving smoothly, and she’s got a plan to do it.
The centerpiece of this plan is a massive expansion of the city’s public transportation system. Bass emphasized that the only way to access Olympic venues will be via public transit. To make this possible, LA is set to borrow 3,000 buses from other U.S. cities, significantly boosting its capacity.
Additionally, Bass is encouraging businesses to allow employees to work from home during the two-week event, much like during the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea is to keep the freeways clear for those who really need to be on the road and to minimize the overall traffic load.
This will be the third time Los Angeles has hosted the Olympics, with previous Games in 1932 and 1984. The 1984 Olympics were notably successful in managing traffic concerns, despite widespread fears leading up to the event. Bass pointed to that success, noting that while the city lacked today’s technology back then, it managed to avoid the traffic nightmares many had predicted.
Bass is confident that LA can rise to the challenge again, especially with the advancements in remote work and public transportation. The mayor’s vision for a car-free Games is ambitious, and if it works, it could set a new standard for how large cities host major international events.
Of course, this plan isn’t without its challenges. Angelenos are famously attached to their cars, and shifting the city’s transportation habits won’t be easy. There will also be significant logistical hurdles in expanding and coordinating a public transit system capable of handling the Olympic crowds.
But Bass is optimistic. She sees this as an opportunity to not only ensure a smooth and successful Olympics but also to make lasting improvements to the city’s infrastructure. By focusing on sustainability and efficiency, LA could emerge from the 2028 Games with a stronger, more resilient public transit system—and maybe even a new perspective on urban mobility.
