The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that its plan to add 1,750 buses for the July‑August 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics hinges on receiving $1 billion in federal assistance that has not yet been secured. The funding request is central to Metro’s strategy for handling the anticipated surge in riders during the two‑week event.
Metro’s Olympic transit blueprint calls for the deployment of the additional buses to supplement existing service across the region. The goal is to accommodate the heightened demand from spectators, athletes, officials and support staff who will travel to venues throughout Los Angeles and surrounding communities. By expanding the fleet, Metro aims to maintain reliable service levels and reduce congestion on roads and rail lines during the Games.
The $1 billion sought from the federal government represents the shortfall after local and state contributions have been accounted for. While the amount has been identified as essential to fund the purchase, staffing and operating costs of the new buses, the federal allocation has not been confirmed. Metro officials have indicated that without the promised funds, the agency cannot move forward with the full bus expansion.
The reliance on federal assistance reflects a broader pattern in the city’s preparation for the 2028 Olympics, where multiple infrastructure projects depend on external financing. Metro’s ability to deliver the expanded bus service is tied directly to the timing and certainty of the $1 billion. If the funding does not materialize, the agency may need to adjust service levels or explore alternative measures to meet the transportation needs of the Games. The agency continues to monitor the funding situation as the event approaches, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated effort between local, state and federal partners to support the city’s Olympic transport plan.