Los Angeles rolls out Olympics plans

LA’s 2028 Olympics: A No-Car Event

The idea of a no-car Olympics in Los Angeles in just four short years may seem like a daunting task, but that’s the plan. As part of the country’s most climate-conscious Olympics, the 2028 committee is aiming to reduce traffic congestion and encourage the use of public transportation. But will it work?

A Different City

The plans are still in the works, but organizers say that part of the deal is making LA’s already pre-existing Olympic venues only accessible by public transportation. To pull it off, the county is borrowing nearly 3,000 buses to drive an estimated 1 million more trips a day, spanning across 85 miles of the region. Additionally, locals are being asked to work from home to keep the roads clear.

A Costly Endeavor

According to local transportation officials, this would cost the LA system at least a billion dollars. But it’s unclear who would foot the bill, leaving many Angelinos skeptical.

Safety Concerns

"Public transportation in LA is not safe, and it’s not going to be safe with this plan," says Transportation Professor Jim Moore. "I don’t think it’s possible. I would opt to leave town before I would take public transportation."

A Repeat of the Past

But LA has hosted a successful no-traffic event before. During the 1984 Olympics, despite high volumes of drivers, congestion was minimal due to flexible work hours. The event, known as the "Eras Tour," gave LA a lot of encouragement. "People really would be willing to get around differently," says Moore.

The Road Ahead

With only four years to go, the pressure is on to make this ambitious plan a reality. But will it work? The judges will be tough, and the stakes are high. As Steve Patterson from NBC News Los Angeles puts it, "It’s a high-stakes 4-year heat."

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