As Los Angeles gears up for the anticipated 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city has achieved a major milestone. On February 3, 2026, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) announced that Congress has approved $94.3 million in mobility-related funding as part of a recently enacted transportation spending law. This strategic investment, signed into law by the President today, aims to elevate the city’s transportation infrastructure to a global standard, ensuring seamless mobility for millions of visitors, athletes, and residents alike.
Metro Chair Fernando Dutra credited a bipartisan effort for this success, specifically thanking the California Congressional delegation—including Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, and Representatives Pete Aguilar and Norma Torres—as well as Secretary Duffy and Administrator Molinaro from the US Department of Transportation.
Introducing the Games Enhanced Transit System (GETS)
The core of this funding initiative revolves around the “Games Enhanced Transit System” (GETS). This system is designed to manage the massive passenger loads expected during the Games. The newly approved $94.3 million will allow Metro to advance critical GETS components, including:
Advance service planning to coordinate the temporary network.
Initial leasing costs for land required for operations.
Design for temporary bus facilities and station experience enhancements.
Final design and engineering for the Games Route Network.
Quick-build pedestrian enhancements for areas surrounding major venues.
Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins emphasized that transportation is a key pillar of the visitor experience, stating, “We look forward to… providing the needed resources so everyone coming for America’s Games can have a gold medal experience”.
Major Infrastructure Upgrades and Future-Proofing
Beyond the immediate needs of the 2028 Games, the federal spending bill provides significant resources for long-term regional improvements. This multi-layered funding package includes:
$149 million for the Vermont Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, a major corridor improvement.
$15 million in transit safety funding, allocated for the nation’s top 10 transit agencies.
$9.1 million specifically for World Cup 26 transportation assistance, part of a $100 million total allocation for the tournament.
$2.3 million for regional bus stop enhancements.
Final design and engineering for mobility hubs and light rail improvements.
These investments support Metro’s Vision 2028 Plan, which aims to transform L.A. County’s mobility through an ambitious infrastructure program.
Irreversible Impact on Los Angeles’ Public Transit Landscape
This funding injection signals a decisive move towards sustainable urban mobility. Historically recognized for its car-centric culture, Los Angeles is actively transforming through Metro’s leadership as the lead planning and funding agency for the county. Metro currently manages nearly 1 million daily boardings across its fleet of 2,200 low-emission buses and six rail lines.
The effort is already showing results in public perception; according to an October 2025 customer experience survey, customer satisfaction has risen to 87%. The Olympic-related upgrades serve as a catalyst for this broader adoption of clean, efficient transit that will persist as a tangible asset for everyday commuting long after the Games conclude.
The allocation of $94.3 million toward Olympic-specific transit, paired with hundreds of millions for safety and the Vermont BRT, demonstrates a strategic approach to urban development. By integrating temporary solutions like GETS with permanent infrastructure, Los Angeles is positioning itself to not only host a memorable event but to emerge as a global leader in sustainable, accessible urban mobility.
