Los Angeles officials are facing challenges securing adequate transportation funding to support the 2028 Summer Olympics, with significant resistance both at the federal and state levels. With the Games just 22 months away, local transit leaders say they are struggling to obtain the necessary financial backing from Sacramento and Washington to handle the influx of athletes, workers, and spectators expected for the event.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) sought $379 million in state funding during the recent legislative session but received only $20 million. Among the major rejected requests were $138 million for a cloud-based system to integrate traffic management between Caltrans and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, $65 million to install emergency “interlock” tracks on light rail lines, and $23 million to enhance transit hubs with amenities like seating, shade, Wi-Fi, and hydration stations. Metro officials emphasize that such improvements are critical to maintaining efficient and reliable service when passenger loads are expected to double during the Games.
State lawmakers’ reluctance to fully fund these projects appears linked to several factors, including a belief that California has already invested heavily in Olympic-related infrastructure. The state has allocated approximately $175 million to Caltrans for measures such as barriers and special traffic lanes designed to create a Games Route Network, aiming to facilitate expedited movement for Olympians and officials. In addition, California plans to spend millions on public outreach to encourage reduced driving during the event and is committed to covering up to $270 million of any financial shortfall from the nonprofit group hosting the Games.
Some state officials cited caution about committing more funds without greater federal government support, with concerns about not “bailing out the federal government” if Washington does not uphold its prior pledges. Lawmakers outside Southern California have also expressed hesitation in directing substantial resources to Los Angeles projects while other regions, such as the Bay Area, face significant transit funding shortfalls.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office deflected detailed questions to Caltrans, which noted the state has contributed over $300 million to the 2028 effort and continues to advocate for federal funding. Newsom recently appeared alongside Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and state legislators at the Memorial Coliseum to highlight California’s investments, including $96.5 million to upgrade Exposition Park surrounding the Coliseum.
At the federal level, Los Angeles is pushing for up to $2 billion to support transit agencies serving the Games. The U.S. House of Representatives approved an $875 million allocation in June, with a final decision expected by December when Congress faces a deadline on government funding. Metro Chief Executive Stephanie Wiggins expressed cautious optimism following discussions with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, noting the 2026 FIFA World Cup helped emphasize the importance of strong transportation infrastructure for major events.
Metro’s request includes nearly $1 billion to lease up to 1,748 buses and hire thousands of drivers and support staff, effectively doubling the agency’s fleet. Without this federal assistance, Metro officials warn they may be unable to meet demand, jeopardizing service quality and sports fans’ experience.
Mayor Bass, who chairs the Metro board, has called on Washington to approve the necessary funds, warning that failure to expand transit capacity could harm the Olympics’ success and impose financial risks on local and state taxpayers. Under an agreement with the nonprofit LA28, Los Angeles is responsible for the first $270 million in cost overruns, with the state covering the next $270 million; any deficit beyond $540 million would fall back on the city.
Bass has even suggested that Metro might hand over responsibility for Olympic transportation to LA28 should funding gaps persist, although LA28 officials have resisted taking on additional duties beyond venue preparation and athlete accommodations.
As Los Angeles navigates these funding uncertainties, the clock is ticking to develop and implement transit solutions for what is expected to be one of the largest sporting events in U.S. history. Local leaders continue to urge collaboration among city, state, and federal officials to ensure the Games run smoothly and leave a positive legacy for the region.