Los Angeles has long been known for its traffic congestion, with commuters facing the daunting choice of either driving or taking public transportation. The city’s roads became so congested that in the 1990s, people were resorting to putting furniture like refrigerators and desks in their cars to cope with the horrendous traffic. Movies such as Falling Down and Clueless have highlighted the challenges of driving in LA, showcasing the city’s notorious traffic jams.
In recent years, Los Angeles has been making efforts to rebuild its public transportation system to alleviate congestion on its roads. In addition to traditional buses, the city now boasts four light-rail lines and two subways, following the routes of the old electric trolleys. This massive rebuilding effort comes at a significant cost to the public, as the previous system had been entirely dismantled.
As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, there are plans in place to further improve public transportation in the city. The organizers are looking to connect the airport terminals to the rail system, as well as heavily rely on buses to transport athletes, coaches, family members, and spectators. Additional lanes will be designated for buses, borrowed from other locations, to accommodate the increased demand during the Games.
While the city may successfully pull off a car-free Olympics by incentivizing the use of public transportation during the Games, the long-term shift towards a more public transit-oriented city may face challenges. The environmental review for initiatives like a bike path along the Los Angeles River is still pending completion, raising questions about the sustainability of these transportation improvements post-Olympics. It remains to be seen whether Los Angeles can maintain its efforts to redevelop a more comprehensive public transportation system or if it will revert to its infamous car-centric ways.