The Olympic flag made its way to Los Angeles on a sunny Monday, signaling the start of a four-year race to organize a memorable Games that can match the success of the recent Paris Olympics, all in a city known for its heavy traffic.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass arrived in a plane adorned with palm trees and the “LA 2028” logo, carrying the iconic five-ringed flag alongside several US athletes.
“We are committed to ensuring that our city and region are fully prepared and equipped,” she told the press.
“The responsibility is now in our hands with the arrival of the flag. Los Angeles, we have a lot of work ahead of us,” added Bass.
Before her plane landed, a 4.6-magnitude earthquake jolted Los Angeles, serving as a reminder of the unique challenges the city may face.
Preparing for natural disasters like earthquakes and climate-related events will be crucial for the city’s infrastructure plans, according to Bass.
However, the biggest hurdle will likely be transportation.
The city is aiming to achieve a “no-car Games,” a bold move in a place where private vehicles dominate the roads and traffic congestion is a daily occurrence.
While the goal seems ambitious, the city plans to prioritize public transport over private cars by introducing dedicated lanes for 3,000 buses borrowed from various parts of the country.
Parking may be limited at some Olympic sites, and authorities will encourage residents to utilize public transport.
Despite having a small subway network, Los Angeles will need to rely heavily on buses and alternative transportation methods to ensure smooth movement during the Games.
– ‘Out of town’ –
In the past, during the 1984 Olympics, many residents left the city to avoid traffic congestion, which could be a strategy repeated in 2028 to ease traffic flow, particularly with the increased focus on public transport.
The city is working on improving accessibility, with plans to connect the main airport to the metro train network by 2026, coinciding with the soccer World Cup opening match in Los Angeles.
– Hollywood, homelessness –
Los Angeles is banking on its reputation as a hub for movies and entertainment to showcase its hosting capabilities, along with its strong sporting presence and modern stadiums.
Despite the glamour of Hollywood, the city faces a significant homelessness crisis, with tens of thousands of individuals lacking housing in a city known for its high real estate prices.
The issue of homelessness has become a top priority for Mayor Bass, with recent progress seen in shelter programs aimed at reducing the number of homeless individuals.
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