When L.A. hosted the Olympics in 1984, the city’s public infrastructure landscape looked much sparser than it does today. More than four decades later, we can enjoy the addition of bus-only lanes, commuter rail lines, and even the longest rail line in the world.
But how will it measure up for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics? L.A. Metro is hard at work implementing some major overhauls of the city’s public transit system, with the ultimate goal of achieving the “no-car” Olympics promised by Mayor Bass and setting a new standard for clean transportation in the country and the world. Here’s how they plan to pull it off.
“Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiative
Goals revolve around the ambitious “Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiative, which comprises an approved list of 28 key transport projects and a budget of $20 billion, targeted for delivery by 2028. Some of the biggest projects are already in motion, such as the new LAX/Metro Transit Center opening this June and phase 1 of the D Line extension opening this fall. We’ll also see pilot programs for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, expanded bus-only lanes, new ExpressLanes on I-105, and expanded multimodal connection hubs.
Other projects have been scaled back or modified entirely, such as the $2.8B Inglewood Transit Connector, which couldn’t overcome opposition from influential critics. But come hell or high water, L.A. Metro pushes onward, knowing the world will be watching in a few short years.
Environmental and long-term goals
Most of the projects are planned with long-term city needs in mind. $100B in funding comes from two existing voter initiatives, Measure R and Measure M, which are dedicated to raising money for city transit projects. Metro is also actively pursuing community input via listening sessions and meetings. “In 2028, we anticipate significantly more Angelenos will choose public transit, walking, or rolling because it is easier and faster,” writes L.A. Metro on their website.
Metro’s “Moving Beyond Sustainability (MBS)” plan and “Climate Action Plan” list numerous sustainability goals to target within the next few years, to be achieved through sustainable business practices. They include:
- 100% electric bus fleet by 2030
- 79% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2017 levels by 2030
- Tripling on-site renewable energy generation by 2030
- Reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 54%
“Shifting away from passenger cars is our chance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and improve health—especially in Equity Focused Communities. This is our chance to reverse generations of inequitable development,” writes Metro. “Equity Focused Communities” refers to the L.A. neighborhoods that Metro has identified as having the greatest transportation needs. The hope is that L.A. will see improvements in mobility, air quality, public health, and economic opportunity long after the games end.
Project status and challenges
“Twenty-Eight by ’28” isn’t without its challenges, and Metro is proactively working to get ahead of them. This includes applying for state and federal grants, investing in zero-emission technologies and pilot projects, and striving to change Angelenos’ travel habits in favor of public transit.
Of the 28 projects, Metro currently lists them at the following status percentages on their website: 25% Completed; 32% Under Construction; 18% In Design; and 25% In Planning.
As L.A. prepares to welcome the world at the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Metro’s ambitious vision of a “no-car” event stands out, especially in a city known for its traffic and dependence on cars. The “Twenty-Eight by ’28” projects signify an effort to create the cleanest and most inclusive transportation system in the country, resulting in a more connected city that will serve Angelenos long after the Olympics closing ceremony.
🌐 Learn more: Visit L.A. Metro’s website to learn more about “Twenty-Eight by ’28.”