Metro Olympics Committee Grants Approval for Hahn's Water Taxi Initiative
In preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, a novel transport solution is being proposed to connect San Pedro and Long Beach: a water taxi service. This initiative, spearheaded by Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board of Directors Chair, seeks to offer an innovative public transport connection for both cities and riders along Metro's J Line [1].
Long Beach, which will host 11 sports during the Games, the second highest number after Los Angeles, is gearing up to welcome a diverse array of athletes and visitors. The proposed water taxi service is designed to be a fun and engaging way to navigate the city during the Games [3].
The water taxi will build upon Long Beach Transit's existing water taxi services, the AquaBus and the AquaLink, and will likely connect San Pedro to Long Beach, offering an alternative mode of transportation for attendees and participants [3]. San Pedro has been selected as a venue for the sailing event, and local officials are working to ensure that the Games enhance the city's profile and facilities [3].
The feasibility of implementing such a service within the timeframe of the Olympics will depend on several factors, including funding, infrastructure, and logistical planning. Similar challenges are faced by other transportation initiatives, such as the significant bus fleet expansion required for the Games [2].
The water taxi service would complement existing transportation plans, which include a robust bus network and air taxi services, to mitigate traffic congestion and provide a comprehensive transportation system for the event [1][2]. The water taxi proposal has earned widespread support from various organizations and officials, including ILWU Local 13, Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker, Long Beach Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Long Beach Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, the LA Maritime Institute, the Battleship Iowa, and LA Harbor Commissioner Lee Williams [2].
Olympics attendees could park at the Harbor Gateway Transit Center in Gardena and take the J Line to San Pedro to catch the water taxi, significantly relieving traffic congestion in and around Long Beach and on the Vincent Thomas Bridge [2].
While specific details about the water taxi service remain under development, it is part of a broader strategy to enhance transportation options and reduce congestion during the Games. The Ad-Hoc Committee on the Olympic and Paralympic Games unanimously approved a motion to explore the feasibility of a water taxi between San Pedro and Long Beach during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games [2]. The water taxi proposal will be voted on by the full Metro Board of Directors in their monthly meeting next Thursday, May 22, 2025 [1].
There is precedent for Hahn's proposed water taxi; a water ferry service between San Pedro and Long Beach existed before the construction of the Vincent Thomas Bridge [2]. This historical connection between the two cities promises to provide a unique transportation experience for visitors during the Games.
References: [1] Los Angeles Times. (2025, May 15). Metro to consider operating water taxi for Olympics. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-05-15/metro-to-consider-operating-water-taxi-for-olympics [2] KCET. (2025, May 14). Long Beach Water Taxi Proposed for 2028 Olympics. Retrieved from https://www.kcet.org/news-shows/socal-focus/long-beach-water-taxi-proposed-for-2028-olympics [3] Long Beach Post. (2025, May 13). Water Taxi Proposed for 2028 Olympics in Long Beach and San Pedro. Retrieved from https://longbeachpost.com/2025/05/13/water-taxi-proposed-for-2028-olympics-in-long-beach-and-san-pedro/
- The water taxi service proposal, receiving support from various organizations and officials such as the Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker and Long Beach Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, is being considered by the Metro Board of Directors as a means to provide innovative community news about transportation for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- The water taxi service, planned to connect San Pedro and Long Beach, is not just a novel transportation solution for the Olympic events, but also an attempt to revive the historical connection between these cities and offer an engaging means of navigating the city during the Games, adding to the industry and finance of the region.
- As part of a broader strategy to enhance transportation options and lessen congestion for the 2028 Games, the proposed water taxi will complement existing transportation plans, including a robust bus network and air taxi services, and may extend to areas like transportation news for sports events such as the sailing competition in San Pedro.
