Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has unveiled the city’s ambitious plans for hosting the 2028 Olympics, with a major focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. One of the most surprising announcements made by Bass is that the 2028 Summer Olympics will be a „no-car Games,“ marking a significant shift in how the city plans to manage transportation during the event.
Bass emphasized the importance of creating a greener Los Angeles by expanding the public transportation system to accommodate the influx of visitors and athletes during the Olympics. This initiative aims to reduce the reliance on cars and promote more sustainable modes of transportation. The mayor highlighted the need to build a city that prioritizes environmental conservation and addresses the challenges of climate change.
To achieve the goal of a no-car Games, Bass outlined several key strategies that will be implemented. One of the main measures includes making public transportation the only way to access the Olympic venues. This will involve utilizing 3,000 buses borrowed from various locations across the country to transport spectators, athletes, and officials to and from the events. Additionally, businesses will be encouraged to allow employees to work from home during the 17-day Olympics period to further reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
Bass drew parallels to the successful management of traffic during the 1984 Olympics, where Mayor Tom Bradley implemented measures such as staggering work hours for local businesses to minimize the impact of increased traffic. The mayor expressed confidence in the city’s ability to adapt to remote work arrangements, citing the experience gained during the COVID-19 pandemic as a reference point for implementing similar strategies for the Olympics.
While Bass acknowledged the need to secure commitments from L.A. businesses to support remote work during the Games, she remained optimistic about the feasibility of the plan. She emphasized the importance of engaging with major employers in the city to discuss potential solutions, such as staggered work hours and remote work arrangements. Bass highlighted the changing landscape of work practices globally and the increased acceptance of remote work, making it easier to implement such measures for the Olympics.
Overall, Mayor Karen Bass’s vision for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles reflects a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. By prioritizing public transportation, reducing car usage, and promoting remote work, the city aims to host a successful and environmentally conscious event that showcases the best of Los Angeles to the world.