10 Retired CATA Buses Bound for 2028 LA Olympic and Paralympic Games

One of 10 retired Centre Area Transportation Authority buses bound for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles began its cross-country trek on flatbed truck outside CATA headquarters in Ferguson Township. Photo provided | CATA

By

Geoff Rushton

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July 22, 2025 – 12:02 am

Community, Local News

The Centre Area Transportation Authority is contributing to the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games by donating 10 of its retired buses to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The contribution came as Los Angeles has called on transit systems nationwide to help prepare for a “car-free Olympics” by donating buses to transport athletes and spectators during the Summer Games, when an influx of more than 3 million visitors is expected to ramp up the need for safe, reliable and sustainable public transportation, according to a CATA news release.

“When we heard about the call for buses for the Olympics, we decided to help out by offering these 10 coaches to LA Metro,” CATA CEO David Rishel said in a statement. “It will be enjoyable for us and for the community to know that some of our buses will continue to serve during the Olympics.”

The buses “diligently served” the Centre Region over their lifespan and CATA was preparing to send them for auction when the authority learned of LA’s need for vehicles for 2028.

Beginning earlier in July, the buses have been loaded onto flatbed trucks at CATA’s West Whitehall Road headquarters to start their 2,500-mile cross-country journey.

A retired CATA bus is loaded onto a flatbed truck to be sent to Los Angeles for use during the 2028 Summer Olympics. *Photo provided | CATA*

Each of the buses runs on natural gas, which results in lower emissions. They have been maintained by CATA’s maintenance staff and have years of remaining life, “making them ideal for repurposing into LA Metro’s Olympic fleet,” according to the authority.

LA Metro’s “transit first” initiative aims to add 3,000 vehicles to its existing 2,000 to provide visitors with efficient transportation while minimizing traffic and roadway congestion during the games.

“This donation displays community spirit and collaboration, demonstrating how connected we all are as we come together to celebrate a global event,” CATA wrote. “With every mile traveled, the excitement builds for what promises to be an unforgettable Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. CATA is excited and honored to be part of this monumental event.”