Los Angeles Plans No-Car Games Ahead of the 2028 Olympics

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ICARO Media Group
News
10/08/2024 17h14

In preparation for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has unveiled a bold plan to tackle the notorious gridlocked traffic that plagues the city. Addressing the issue during the handover ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Bass expressed her determination to create a greener Los Angeles by encouraging a "no-car Games" approach.

Acknowledging that Los Angeles has long been infatuated with automobiles, Bass outlined her strategy to alleviate traffic snarls and reduce congestion during the 17-day sporting event. The plan involves utilizing public transportation as the primary mode of access to Olympic venues. To support this initiative, the city aims to expand its public transportation system and employ 3,000 borrowed buses from across the country.

In addition to bolstering public transport, Bass intends to enlist the cooperation of local businesses by urging them to allow their employees to work from home during the Games. Drawing inspiration from the successful approach taken during the 1984 Olympics, where workforce hours were staggered to diminish the number of cars on the road, Bass believes that extending remote work opportunities to nonessential workers could be a game-changer.

While Los Angeles is not currently equipped with an extensive subway network like Paris, London, or New York, the city does have bus and light rail systems. Nevertheless, Bass emphasized the need to further improve accessibility and reduce reliance on private vehicles to ensure a smooth flow of traffic throughout the Games.

Despite the lack of commitment from businesses regarding remote work arrangements, Bass expressed confidence in garnering support. With the global workforce already grappling with remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mayor believes that employers may be more open to the idea of allowing their employees to telecommute for the 17-day duration of the Olympics.

In addition to addressing traffic congestion, Bass also acknowledged the pressing issue of homelessness in Los Angeles. With a significant unhoused population of over 75,000 in the county, efforts to decrease these numbers have become a priority for the city. Bass affirmed her commitment to securing housing for unhoused individuals, offering temporary solutions while working towards permanent housing and addressing the root causes of homelessness.

Los Angeles is determined to make the 2028 Olympics a safe and memorable experience, both in terms of security and overall event excellence. Organizers have already begun collaborating with the federal government to develop robust security plans, aiming to strike a balance between maintaining safety and ensuring an unparalleled Olympic experience.

With an operating budget of $6.8 billion, excluding security costs, Los Angeles is determined to put on a spectacular show for the world during the 2028 Summer Olympics. By prioritizing public transportation, remote work options, and efforts to address homelessness, the city aims to showcase its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and making the Games accessible to all.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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