With just under 4 million residents in the City of Los Angeles and millions more in the surrounding metropolitan area, traffic congestion has long been a challenge for the region. As the city gears up to host the 2028 Summer Games, Mayor Karen Bass has introduced an ambitious plan to ease gridlock during the event.
Mayor Bass aims to implement a 'no-car Games' policy, restricting vehicle access to any venue hosting sporting events over the two-week Olympic period. Attendees will be required to utilize public transportation, prompting efforts to expand the city's transit system. To accommodate the increased demand, Los Angeles plans to borrow over 3,000 buses from other cities across the country.
Recognizing the need for collaboration, Mayor Bass emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with major employers to mitigate traffic congestion. Discussions may include staggering work hours and enabling remote work for non-essential employees during the Games.
The 2028 Games will feature various competitions across different venues in Los Angeles County, including SoFi Stadium for swimming, Crypto.com Arena for gymnastics, and USC’s Memorial Coliseum for track and field events. Additionally, Long Beach will host several events such as artistic swimming, marathon swimming, and water polo.
While most competitions will be held within Los Angeles County, Temecula has been selected for equestrian events, situated approximately 85 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. However, softball and canoe slalom competitions will take place in Oklahoma City, over 1,500 miles away.
Despite the logistical challenges, Mayor Bass remains committed to creating a greener Los Angeles and ensuring a smooth experience for both residents and visitors during the 2028 Summer Games.
As the city prepares for this monumental event, the focus shifts from the Paris Olympics to the upcoming Games in Los Angeles, set to commence on July 14, 2028.
