With the LA28 Olympics and Paralympics on the horizon, local leaders are thinking beyond the medal podium — envisioning public transit as one of the lasting legacies the Games could leave behind.

During a keynote conversation at a recent transportation forum hosted by the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and Jim Newton, long-time journalist and founding editor of Blueprint, explored how the Games could spark a long-term shift in how local residents move through the city and region.

“All of our international visitors, they know how to ride public transportation like its second nature,” Hahn said. “It’s the Angelenos that we’re still trying to attract. A good experience on a bus or a train that could translate after the Olympics to people riding Metro — that’s my goal.”

The 2028 Games are being pitched as “transit-first,” meaning public transportation will be the primary means of travel for athletes and visitors. To meet the estimated 1 million additional daily transit trips, Metro is undertaking various upgrades to its current system and plans to borrow 2,700 buses to supplement its current fleet.

But creating a lasting transit legacy in a region known for its car culture is a daunting task. Hahn, who also chairs the Metro board and rides transit herself, said that many people are discouraged from using public transportation because of uncertainty navigating the system, long waits, lack of shade at bus stops, and safety concerns.

“I learn a lot every time I ride,” she said, adding that she’ll sometimes be recognized and hear stories from people who rely on public transportation for access to various parts of the county.

Bus lanes as a solution

As Los Angeles looks to 2028, dedicated bus lanes are an option being explored.

Juan Matute, UCLA ITS deputy director, emphasized how dedicated lanes can not only increase operational efficiency and ridership, but also signal a cultural shift.

“It’s really amazing, in terms of what a bus lane can do,” Matute said. “To say this is a service that we’re providing and then have the government — from Metro down to the city — all on board that buses get priority, that is an amazing way to encourage people to adopt certain behavior.”

Improving the city’s accessibility

Accessibility was the focus of another panel at the event, which addressed universal design and improving sidewalks. Nine-time Paralympian and accessibility consultant Candace Cable shared her personal experiences navigating downtown Los Angeles as a wheelchair user. Dangerous crosswalks and poorly designed streets and infrastructure are daily challenges, she said.

“Our sidewalks are going to be a major thoroughfare during the Games,” said Cable, especially for Paralympians who will be excited to explore the city.

“I love wheeling around my city. I absolutely love Los Angeles and we have an amazing opportunity to make it more accessible.”

But concerns were raised about whether Los Angeles, which hosts the Paralympics for the first time in 2028, will have the federal support it needs to realize these goals. Hahn and Newton pointed to political uncertainty in Washington, where funding has been tied to controversial caveats. In recent weeks, the U.S. Department of Transportation has issued memos that would tie funding to birth rates and take aim at sanctuary cities, green infrastructure like bike lanes, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

“One of the things that I would think we would most want to celebrate about this region — diversity — could in fact be the sort of triggering word for the administration,” Newton said.

Still, Hahn remained hopeful: Los Angeles might be hosting, but these are the Games of the United States of America. “I have no doubt that we will excel on the world stage.”

Photo credit: David Franco