LOS ANGELES — As Los Angeles gears up for the 2028 Summer Olympics, the city's handling of World Cup traffic at SoFi Stadium is offering a sneak peek into potential logistical challenges. Paul Krekorian, head of LA's Office of Major Events, recently encountered a frustrating traffic jam caused by a self-driving vehicle struggling to make a turn — a minor incident that highlighted larger issues.

Krekorian, appointed by Mayor Karen Bass, saw the traffic snarl not just as a personal inconvenience but as a critical learning opportunity. “It couldn’t figure out that it was never, ever going to be able to make that left turn,” Krekorian said, referring to the autonomous vehicle. His experience underscores the importance of planning for technological integration and efficient transportation management during major events like the upcoming Olympics.

The World Cup has already put the city's infrastructure to the test, revealing several pressure points, from high parking fees to extensive traffic congestion. LA City Council member Bob Blumenfield expressed concerns about the $200 parking fees and the long delays, emphasizing the need for improved transit solutions. “LA28 is a much larger footprint, so… we really are going to have to focus on the transit element of all this,” Blumenfield noted.

Despite these challenges, there’s a growing confidence among local politicians that LA can successfully host the global event. Krekorian pointed out that the preparations for the World Cup would be directly applicable to the Olympic Games. “There’s a palpable excitement here to be hosting the World Cup, and this is only a fraction of what we’ll see when it comes time for ‘28,” he said.

Moreover, the World Cup is serving as an important dress rehearsal. According to Rep. Laura Friedman, the event is a perfect opportunity to fine-tune public transit systems. Metro ridership to SoFi Stadium increased by 41 percent from the first to the second World Cup match, a promising sign for future events.

Security and cost remain significant concerns, with Council member Monica Rodriguez highlighting the need for budgeting for extensive security measures due to the multiple venues involved in the Olympics. Meanwhile, ticket prices have soared, with entry to some matches reaching nearly $900, putting them out of reach for many local residents.

Despite the criticisms and concerns, the city has managed to avoid major public security incidents during the World Cup, and public transportation has received praise for its efficiency and safety enhancements. Council member Adrin Nazarian shared his positive experience using public transit to attend a match, which contrasted sharply with Krekorian’s traffic ordeal.

As LA continues to host international events, the lessons learned from each will be crucial in ensuring the success of the grand spectacle that the 2028 Olympics promises to be. With careful planning and responsive adjustments, the city hopes to showcase its capability to host a world-class event while addressing the needs and concerns of both locals and visitors alike. As for Krekorian’s traffic issue? He eventually navigated away from the jam with a laugh, ready to tackle the next challenge.