The Indicator from Planet Money Can LA host a 'car-free' Olympics?
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Sep 22, 2025 Los Angeles is gearing up for a car-free Olympics in 2028, sparking debates about its iconic car culture. The discussion highlights ambitious public transit projects, like the multi-billion-dollar Wilshire subway. Concerns arise over whether these improvements will primarily benefit tourists instead of locals. The show delves into the equity issues tied to Measure M funding and the long-term impacts on the community. Will LA's transit revolution change the city for good, or is it just an Olympic illusion?
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Big Transit Push For A Car-Free Olympics
- Los Angeles is shifting from car-centric culture by investing heavily in transit for the 2028 Olympics.
- The 28 by 28 plan aims to complete 28 major projects to enable a largely car-free Games.
Koreatown Roots Shape Transit Advocacy
- Scarlett DeLeon grew up in Koreatown and depended on public transit as a child of Guatemalan immigrants.
- She now advocates for transit and affordable housing to serve communities like hers.
Existing System And Ambitious Expansion
- LA Metro already runs a huge system with buses, rail lines, and a million rides per day.
- The expansion adds subways, light rail to LAX, and bus rapid transit to knit the region together.