L.A. Faces Wildfire Challenges and Transit Concerns Ahead of 2028 Olympics

Los Angeles, California—As the city braces for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics, a recent survey conducted by the USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research has revealed that Angelenos are facing significant challenges related to wildfires, declining interest in electric vehicles (EVs), and doubts about the readiness of public transit systems. The LABarometer survey, completed from February to April 2025, highlighted that over half of the residents avoided outdoor activities due to smoke from wildfires, with psychological distress from natural disasters affecting nearly one in three individuals.

The survey follows a series of destructive wildfires in January that devastated nearly 40,000 acres in areas such as Pacific Palisades and Altadena. According to Dr. Kyla Thomas, director of the LABarometer, these findings underscore a growing pattern of climate-related anxiety among residents. “These patterns indicate that even a fire as catastrophic as the one we just experienced is no longer unusual in terms of how it affects the majority of L.A. residents,” said Thomas, a sociologist at USC Dornsife.

Despite the severity of these events, the survey indicated a decline in disaster preparedness among Angelenos, with only 40% claiming they are ready for a natural disaster, down from 45% in 2020. This decline in readiness persists even as climate change remains a pressing concern, with over 70% of residents viewing it as a personal threat.

As Los Angeles gears up for the Olympics, concerns about the city’s public transit system loom large. While 55% of residents expressed excitement about the Games, nearly 40% believe that L.A.'s public transportation is "not at all prepared" to handle the influx of visitors. The report highlighted that Metro Rail ridership has seen only a slight increase, with bus ridership stagnating at approximately 70% of pre-pandemic levels.

“Residents are clear-eyed about what’s working and what still needs to change,” Thomas stated. Despite recent investments to improve transit infrastructure, such as the opening of new rail lines and stations, the modest increases in ridership raise questions about the system’s capability to accommodate a car-free Olympics.

In terms of electric vehicles, interest has cooled significantly, with just over half of Angelenos expecting their next vehicle to be electric or hybrid, a decrease from 57% in 2024. Researchers attribute this decline to various factors, including political polarization and declining Tesla sales, which have fallen short of quarterly expectations by nearly 25% this year. Once a leader in the EV market, Tesla's image has transformed into a politically charged entity, prompting some potential buyers to reconsider their choices.

The LABarometer survey, which included responses from 1,370 residents, provides critical insights into the evolving attitudes of Angelenos regarding transportation, climate-related experiences, and expectations for the upcoming Olympics. As the city confronts these pressing issues, the data suggests a complex interplay between environmental challenges, public sentiment, and the readiness of infrastructure to support future events.

The implications of these findings are significant not just for Los Angeles but for cities nationwide grappling with similar issues related to climate change, public health, and transportation infrastructure. As the countdown to the Olympics continues, stakeholders will need to address these challenges to ensure a successful event and the well-being of its residents.