The city of Phoenix is sending buses to Los Angeles to be used for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Phoenix will send buses that have reached the end of their usable life that the city no longer needs but are still serviceable for temporary use during the Olympics. The city has seven already available to transfer and expects to send about 20 by the time the summer games roll around in two years.
“Los Angeles is trying to do everything they can to be a more sustainable Olympics, including a huge emphasis on public transit,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said during a March 4 city council meeting.
The Olympic cauldron is lit at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum ahead of the launch for ticket registration to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Los Angeles.
(The Associated Press/Damian Dovarganes)
The city is selling the buses to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority for a “nominal cost.” LA Metro will be on the hook to pay for transporting the buses, painting, branding and other ongoing maintenance and operating costs.
Buses at the end of their usable life usually fetch less than $5,000 each at auction, according to a city document.
Council approved the disposition of the buses 8-0 during the March 4 meeting.
“I’m really excited to participate in this incredible international experience,” Gallego said.
Phoenix also supplied buses for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington said transferring the buses to Los Angeles aligned with the Olympic spirit.
“The Olympics represents teamwork and partnership, and for us to be able to help our colleagues in California as they prepare for the Olympics is very exciting.”
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Mark Carlisle joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, covering Glendale. He has since moved to the Daily Independent team, primarily covering the city of Phoenix along with other topics affecting the Valley at-large.
Community: Mark enjoys taking his two young sons to parks, the Phoenix Zoo, the Phoenix Public Library and other fun events around the Valley. He also participates in a local book club.
Education: Chapman University with a BA in English Journalism and one in Screenwriting.
Random Fact: Mark worked at a tuxedo shop in college. Just don’t ask him to tie a bowtie.
Hobbies: Spending time with his wife, sons and dog, watching sports and TV shows, listening to audiobooks and occasionally writing fiction or designing a board game.
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