July 28, 2022: WTS-LA Platinum annual sponsor Jacobs sponsored a lunch program focused on preparations for the 2028 Olympics. Judy Johnson, Vice President with Jacobs, moderated the panel comprising Ernesto Chaves, Director, Highway Programs, LA Metro; Darren Kettle, CEO, Metrolink; and Nicole Blahut, Sr. Manager, Strategy & Operations, LA28. 

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Discussion focused on regional transportation planning efforts from agencies such as LA Metro and Metrolink and collaboration with LA28 in their efforts to develop a Games Mobility Plan. Nicole discussed LA28's vision and expected outcomes for the mobility strategy.

Objectives include transporting athletes, spectators, media, volunteers, and other  event support staff over a large regional area of at least three Southern California counties.  LA Metro and Metrolink will be intrinsic to this regional transportation. As such, Darren Kettle spoke of possibly utilizing Metrolink stations adjacent to venues and/or large parking lots to act as transportation hubs. 

While new spectator infrastructure may not be needed for the Games, all recognize the need to incentivize and encourage transit use while providing appropriate safety measures during an event with national security implications. 

The group discussed delivery of current infrastructure projects, multimodal project opportunities, incorporation of travel demand model and transit modes, safety and security, funding opportunities, lessons learned from previous Olympics, and regional coordination efforts.  

See photos from the program here.