Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has announced ambitious plans for the 2028 Summer Olympics, dubbing it a “no-car Games”. In a press conference held in Paris at the end of the Paris games, Bass, joined by Casey Wasserman, chairman of the LA 2028 organizing committee, outlined their vision and preparations for hosting the event in four years’ time.
Addressing Traffic Concerns
One of the primary concerns addressed was Los Angeles’ infamous traffic. Mayor Bass emphasized efforts to expand the city’s public transportation system, aiming to make public transit the primary mode of transport for accessing Olympic venues. “We’re already working to create jobs by expanding our public transportation system in order for us to have a no-car Games,” she stated. She further highlighted the city’s historical reliance on cars, underlining the importance of transforming Los Angeles into a greener city.
To facilitate this transformation, the plan includes deploying 3,000 buses borrowed from other US cities and encouraging businesses to allow their employees to work from home during the Games. This strategy echoes measures taken during the 1984 Olympics under then-Mayor Tom Bradley, who managed to mitigate traffic congestion by staggering work hours. However, Bass aims to go a step further in 2028 by having non-essential workers work remotely.
These initiatives could be interesting for cities in the Middle East when hosting super-events. For example, the forthcoming World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 2034.
Historical Context and Technological Advancements
Reminiscing about the 1984 Games, Bass recalled widespread anxiety over potential traffic chaos, which proved to be unfounded. She pointed out that today’s technological advancements, including remote working capabilities learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, present new opportunities for managing city logistics during the Games. “In 1984, we didn’t have any of the technology that we do today. We learned in Covid that you can work remotely,” she noted.
LA is well known for its wide highways and terrible traffic jams. The vision of a no-car Games is ambitious but exciting.
Comparisons with Other Host Cities
Comparing Los Angeles with other recent host cities such as Paris, London, and Tokyo, Bass acknowledged the city’s relatively modest public transit infrastructure. While Paris has been praised for its accessible metro, train, tram, and bus networks connecting almost every venue, Los Angeles relies on buses and light rail systems, supplemented by only two subway lines. This backdrop underscores the magnitude of the tasks ahead for the host city.
Commitment from Los Angeles Businesses
Despite the outlined plans, Bass admitted that a commitment from LA businesses to permit remote work during the Games is yet to be secured. She remains optimistic, drawing on the success of previous events and technological ease in modern work environments. “I think, frankly, it is not going to be difficult this time,” Bass stated, expressing confidence in engaging with the city’s major employers to support this initiative.
Unity Amid Political Climate
Chairman Wasserman also touched upon the political landscape in the United States as it gears up for the 2024 presidential election. He highlighted the bipartisan support for Los Angeles’ Olympic bid, which has received backing from three different presidents since 2017, starting with Barack Obama’s administration. “This is about the red, white and blue,” Wasserman remarked, emphasizing the unifying potential of the Games, transcending political divisions.
The 2028 Olympics marks the third time Los Angeles will host the Games, following earlier events in 1932 and 1984. With robust plans underway and significant challenges to tackle, the city is poised to deliver a unique and sustainable Olympic experience.
