LA is Electrifying its Bus Fleet, but Olympic Transit Challenges Remain

The region is preparing its transit system to handle the more than one million visitors expected during the 2028 Olympic Games.

1 minute read

July 25, 2024, 10:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum entrance arch with name and Olympic rings.

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was built for the 1932 Olympic Games and was reused during the 1984 games. | Chad Robertson / Adobe Stock

The Los Angeles County transit system is receiving a $77 million federal grant to buy additional electric buses in advance of hosting the 2028 Olympics. “The buses will help ferry tens of thousands of fans across the city in what is being trumpeted as a ‘transit-first’ Games, and are among thousands of details that officials need to get in order before Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Olympics,” writes Rachel Urange in Mass Transit.

The region expects over a million tourists during the Olympic Games. “So, local leaders have used the Olympic Games to add urgency to their wish lists, such as the fleet of electric buses. This strategy has led to some funding — but it won't solve the logistical puzzle of moving vast crowds of tourists on a day-to-day basis.”

Even with the new buses, the city’s transit system could have a hard time shuttling Olympic visitors around the region. “And the buses purchased from the federal grant won't expand the fleet or get the agency to its goals of going electric. There are too many roadblocks for that to happen, including a lack of chargers and a shrunken pool of manufacturers that can deliver electric buses.”

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in Mass Transit

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of gold-covered New Jersey state capitol dome in Trenton, New Jersey at dusk.

New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms

The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.

45 minutes ago - New Jersey Monitor

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 29 - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

April 29 - The Planning Report