Los Angeles’ Bold Bid for a Car-Free 2028 Olympics: Can the City of Cars Shift Gears?

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As the Olympic torch flickers out in Paris, the spotlight is now on Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Summer Games. LA’s promise? A “car-free” Olympics. To many, this vision is a stretch in a city famously dominated by cars. With its sprawling streets and iconic traffic jams, Los Angeles has long been a symbol of automobile culture. Yet, this ambitious goal is more than just a statement—it’s a challenge that delves into the city’s complex history with public transportation.

A Glimpse into LA’s Transit Past

In the early 20th century, Los Angeles was a different kind of metropolis. Under the influence of railroad magnate Henry Huntington, LA developed a vibrant and extensive public transit network. Huntington, who owned large swathes of land in the region, saw the potential in combining real estate with transportation. He built a trolley system designed to connect newly developed residential areas with the bustling downtown. By the 1930s, LA boasted over 1,000 miles of electric streetcar routes run by two major companies: the Pacific Electric Railway and the Los Angeles Railway. This was a time when the city’s public transit was not just a service but a symbol of progress and community.

The city’s streetcars, affectionately known as the “Red Cars” and “Yellow Cars,” were more than just a means of transport; they were an integral part of daily life. They offered a glimpse into a different LA—a city where public transit was feasible and actively used. However, the charm of these streetcars was not without its challenges. Many riders found them inconvenient, and as automobile use grew, the slow-moving streetcars struggled with increasing traffic congestion.

Photo bythereallosangelestours.com

The Shift to Automobile Dominance

Despite these drawbacks, streetcars were popular, especially during World War II when gasoline was rationed and cars were less accessible. They provided a vital service during a time of scarcity and were embraced by Angelenos, who had limited alternatives.

Yet, the end of the war marked a turning point. The post-war era saw a dramatic shift in public preferences and economic priorities. The automobile industry flourished during the war years, and with civilian demand surging, cars became symbols of freedom and prosperity. The once-vibrant streetcar system, now needing significant upgrades, was in the crosshairs of a growing automotive culture. By the mid-1940s, much of the streetcar infrastructure had been dismantled, sold off to scrap, or repurposed. The car became the new king of LA, and the city’s public transit infrastructure began to wither away.

Reviving Transit in a Car-Centric City

Fast forward to today, and the notion of a “car-free” Olympics seems almost paradoxical. Los Angeles has spent decades expanding its highways and parking facilities, all while public transit options have struggled to keep pace. The city’s current transit network, while improved in recent years, still needs to improve. Buses often run late, and the remnants of the old streetcar system are mostly a distant memory. Transforming LA into a car-free zone for the Olympics is not just about removing vehicles but also about reimagining how the city moves. It’s a monumental task that requires physical changes and a shift in the city’s mindset and culture.

Efforts to revitalize LA’s public transportation system have seen some success, with new light rail lines and bus routes offering more options. However, these improvements still need to address the city’s car dependency fully. The challenge is not just technical; it’s cultural. Changing the habits of a city deeply ingrained with automobile use requires more than just infrastructure—it demands a shift in mindset.

A rendering of the Festival Trail.Photo byThe Festival Trail is led by Agency Artifact, SOMOS, MoveLA and FASTLinkDTLA

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The 2028 Olympics offer Los Angeles a unique opportunity to rethink its transportation future. The city’s ambition to create a car-free environment for the Games is bold, signaling a commitment to sustainability and innovation. To achieve this, LA will need to significantly enhance its public transit options, promote alternative modes of transportation, and implement new policies to limit vehicle use.

This vision aligns with a broader global trend towards more sustainable urban living. Cities worldwide are exploring reducing reliance on cars, improving public transit, and creating more walkable and bike-friendly environments. For LA, this transformation is both a challenge and an opportunity to lead by example and redefine what a modern, sustainable city can be. By successfully hosting a car-free Olympics, Los Angeles can inspire other cities and show the world what is possible when a city commits to sustainable urban living.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

Los Angeles’ goal for a car-free 2028 Olympics is more than just an ambitious promise—it’s a call to action for the city to embrace a new way of living. By looking back at its history of public transportation and understanding the reasons behind its decline, LA can draw lessons for the future. The road to a car-free Olympics is filled with obstacles. Still, it also offers a chance for LA to reimagine its relationship with transportation and set a precedent for cities worldwide.

As the city prepares for the Games, this ambitious plan hopes to transform how Angelenos get around during the Olympics and inspire long-term changes that benefit the city and its residents for years to come.