LA Metro Transforms Transit Ahead of 2028 Olympics
LA Metro reaches 1,000-day countdown with 2,400 zero-emission buses and 28 miles of new rail
LA Metro Marks 1,000 Days to 2028 Olympics
Los Angeles transit riders will see major improvements before the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games open July 14, 2028. LA Metro announced October 17 it's reached the 1,000-day countdown milestone with significant infrastructure progress already completed. Stephanie Wiggins, Chief Executive Officer of LA Metro, said the agency's delivering on its promise to provide a faster, more accessible transit system. The improvements are part of Metro's $30 billion investment in transit infrastructure that'll serve the region long after the Games conclude.
Recent Completions Set Foundation
Metro's Olympic preparations build on recently completed major projects that've already transformed the region's transit network. The D Line Extension to UCLA opened in November 2024, extending the Purple Line subway westward through West Los Angeles. The Regional Connector Transit Project opened in January 2025, linking the A, E, and L Lines through downtown Los Angeles and eliminating the need for transfers between these routes. Janice Hahn, Chair of the Metro Board of Directors, said the investments being made today will serve the region for generations. LA County voters approved Measure M in November 2016, providing the funding mechanism that's enabling many of these Olympic-related transit projects.
Massive Fleet Expansion Underway
Metro's procuring 2,400 zero-emission buses and 200 new rail cars to handle increased ridership during the Games and beyond. The zero-emission bus procurement aligns with California's Innovative Clean Transit regulation requiring 100% zero-emission bus purchases by 2029. Multiple rail projects are under construction, adding 28 miles of new rail lines and 15 stations across the system. Projects include the Airport Metro Connector linking LAX to the rail network and the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail extending service to underserved communities. Metro expects significantly increased ridership during the Games, though specific projections haven't been publicly released.
Projects Target Pre-Olympic Completion
Multiple projects are under construction with completion targeted before or shortly after the 2028 Games, though officials haven't provided specific completion dates for individual projects. The Opening Ceremony takes place July 14, 2028, with the Paralympic Games beginning August 19, 2028. Metro's planning enhanced service levels during the Games, with operational details to be announced closer to 2028. Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, said the city's ready to welcome the world and the transit system will showcase innovation and sustainability.
Long-Term Benefits for Riders
The Olympic-driven improvements will benefit daily riders long after the Games conclude, providing faster connections and expanded service across Los Angeles County. Juan Matute, Deputy Director of UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies, said the Olympic deadline's serving as a forcing mechanism to accelerate projects that've been in planning for years. Denny Zane, Executive Director of Move LA, said the investments represent a generational transformation of LA's transit system. Riders can track real-time service updates and plan trips across Metro's expanding network using Moovit, which provides current schedules and route information for all LA Metro services.
