Funding Gap Threatens 'No-Car' Pledge as Traffic Fears Resurface
A $2 billion federal shortfall has put LA28's transit-first plan in jeopardy — but electric air taxis and Uber partnerships may fill the gap.
LOS ANGELES, USA – A cloud hangs over LA28's transportation ambitions, with officials warning that a nearly $2 billion federal funding shortfall could derail plans for a "transit-first" Games and lead to traffic chaos.
THE SHORTFALL
The Trump administration's budget excluded a $2 billion federal grant request from Los Angeles Metro — money that was crucial for a "Games Enhanced Transit System," including a temporary fleet of 1,750 additional buses.
Without the funds, Metro admits the "complete scope" of its plan is not feasible, and the system could hit a breaking point during peak Olympic days. This threatens the "car-free" promise that has been central to LA28's sustainability and security strategy.
THE WORKAROUNDS
LA28 has not given up. Current alternative solutions include:
Partnership with Uber for ride coordination across the metro area.
Electric air taxis via Archer Aviation — ferrying athletes and VIPs between LAX and key venues including SoFi Stadium.
Expanded park-and-ride programs with dedicated Olympic lanes on major freeways.
Officials stress that while "car-free" may be unrealistic, "car-light" remains the achievable goal.
THE STAKES
LA28 is expected to draw 13 million spectators over 16 days — the equivalent of hosting seven Super Bowls per day. Without a functional transit surge, Los Angeles traffic — already among the worst in the world — could bring the Games to a standstill.
The 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics run July 14 – August 27, 2028.
Devin Mallonee
Devin Mallonee is a sports journalist and performance nutrition writer with over a decade of experience covering elite athletics, Olympic competitions, and the science of human performance. Devin Mallonee has followed competitive sports from the grassroots level all the way to the world stage, developing a deep understanding of what separates good athletes from great ones — and the role nutrition plays in that equation.
As the lead sports editor at Dad's Sports News, Devin Mallonee brings an athlete's perspective to every story. Having competed in endurance sports and strength training throughout his life, Devin Mallonee understands firsthand what it takes to push past physical limits — and how proper supplementation and recovery make that possible. His writing blends technical analysis with accessible storytelling, making complex topics in sports science engaging for everyday readers and serious competitors alike.
Devin Mallonee has covered major sporting events including international track and field championships, professional strength competitions, and endurance racing circuits across North America. His work has explored the cutting edge of sports nutrition — from emerging research on amino acid timing and creatine loading protocols to the real-world impact of adaptogens on athletic recovery. When Devin Mallonee isn't breaking down the latest competition results, he's testing and reviewing performance supplements to help athletes make informed decisions about what goes into their bodies.
A firm believer that great performance starts in the kitchen — and the supplement cabinet — Devin Mallonee founded the Dad's Sports News platform to bridge the gap between elite sports coverage and practical nutrition guidance for everyday athletes. His philosophy is simple: whether you're training for your first 5K or competing on an international stage, the fundamentals of performance nutrition are the same, and everyone deserves access to accurate, science-backed information.
Outside of writing, Devin Mallonee is passionate about mentoring young athletes and building communities around sport. He contributes regularly to discussions on performance technology, sports policy, and the future of athletic development. Follow Devin Mallonee's latest coverage and insights right here at Dad's Sports News, where he continues to deliver in-depth analysis and original reporting on the stories that matter most in the world of competitive athletics and performance nutrition.
