Los Angeles Plans Electric Buses For 2028 Olympics, It’ll Inject $18 billion Into US Economy, Says Trump

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) has placed the largest order for electric busses ever seen in the United States as the city looks to become more eco-friendly in time for when it hosts the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti wants the city’s bus fleet to produce zero emissions by the time the city hosts the Olympics for the third time in history. 

That pledge was a key component of an Executive Directive he has signed – titled “L.A.’s Green New Deal: Leading By Example” – promising a decade of action to fight the climate crisis.

“The clean transportation revolution is not a distant dream – it’s happening on LA’s streets right now,” Garcetti said. 

“Seeing these zero-emission buses rolling down our roads in the years ahead will bring us one step closer to realising our vision of cleaner air, lower emissions, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future for all Angelenos.”

In total, 155 busses have been ordered.

The majority will be K7M busses manufactured by Chinese company BYD, reported Mass Transit.

Garcetti made the announcement at a new LADOT yard for buss maintenance.

It features many solar panels and charging points so can service 70 busses and is also certified platinum – the best rating – by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

“Los Angeles is making a bold investment in a clean transportation future,” Seleta Reynolds, LADOT general manager, said. 

“These 155 buses will save the city money on fuel costs and improve air quality and health for families across the region we serve.”

Los Angeles is the largest city in California, a state which has witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of the climate crisis.

One of the worst droughts in California history led to restrictions on water use in recent years, while more than 100 people were killed by wildfires in 2018 and as 765,000 hectares burned.

Meamwhile, United States President Donald Trump has predicted that the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles will contribute billions of dollars to the American economy and provide tens of thousands of jobs for the country’s workers. 

Trump made the prediction during a visit to meet officials of Los Angeles 2028, where he signed a guarantee promising US Government support in areas such as security. 

“These Games will also be a major economic victory,” Trump said during a ceremony at the Montage Beverly Hills.

“The 2028 Olympics will create 112,000 jobs and add $18 billion (£14 billion/€16.5 billion) to our economy, at least, including $7 billion (£5.5 billion/€6.5 billion) in wages for American workers.

“The LA Olympic Committee is accomplishing all of this at no cost to the American taxpayer.  

“They’ve raised a lot of money and they’re utilising stadiums that are world-class, that are already built.  

“Something nice about not having to build a lot of things.  

“But they’re doing a fantastic job.”

Los Angeles were awarded the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics following a unique deal struck between them and Paris, who were awarded the 2024 Games. 

“From the day I took office, I’ve done everything in my power to make sure that LA achieved the winning bid,” Trump said. 

“Now, for the third time in history, the city of Los Angeles – the ‘City of Angels’ – will once again raise up the Olympic Torch and welcome the world’s greatest competitors to the Summer Games.  

“How exciting.”

Los Angeles 2028 is due to be a privately-funded Games with a proposed $6.9 billion (£5.3 billion/€6.2 billion) balanced budget, with revenues coming from sponsorship, television deals and ticket sales.

Casey Wasserman, the chairman of Los Angeles 2028, praised Trump for his role in them being awarded the Games by the International Olympic Committee at its Session in Lima in September 2017. 

“Your leadership from the beginning has been instrumental in us achieving this goal of bringing the Games back to the United States,” Wasserman, who publicly backed Trump’s rival Hillary Clinton during the US Presidential election in 2016, said. 

“This is the third time for Los Angeles, as you mentioned. 

“I promise you we’ll remember you in 2028, to say the least, because it wouldn’t have happened without you.”