LA Metro searching for partner to operate water taxi service during 2028 Olympics

LA Metro is taking the next big step toward a potential water taxi service that would connect San Pedro and Long Beach during the 2028 Olympic games.

On Monday, Los Angeles County Supervisor and LA Metro Board Member Janice Hahn, who has championed the project, announced that LA Metro was looking for “partners” to make the vision a reality.

“This is a big opportunity,” Hahn said during a record message posted to social media. “During the Games, we are expecting big crowds, and a water taxi will be a fun and scenic way to enjoy the California sun while moving people between two of Southern California’s most iconic waterfronts.”

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Hahn urged current ferry operators or maritime industry pros with potential interest in operating the new service to reach out to LA Metro and present their plan of action.

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LA Metro is specifically interested in learning about those operators’ vessels, what service would look like if chosen, and how they would keep the service staffed and safe for pasengers.

Hahn said LA Metro was also interested in potential “creative funding ideas,” sponsorships and partnerships in other forms.

Individuals or companies who believe they have the experience and the expertise needed to operate this first-of-its-kind transit program in L.A. should contact LA Metro’s innovation team via email.

“Submit your interests and share your capabilities, and you may be invited to pitch directly to Metro staff,” Hahn added.

What is the LA Metro Water Taxi Service?

The water taxi service for the 2028 Olympics has been a personal pet project for Janice Hahn since early 2025, and is part of a countywide effort to reduce the amount of personal vehicle use during the summer games.

In December, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Board of Directors voted unanimously to begin gauging interest of potential operators and assess funding options.

During the 2028 Summer Olympics, Long Beach will host 18 events across seven different venues; San Pedro will host sailing and will be a cultural and community hub for the nation of Croatia.

The water taxi would provide easy connections to LA Metro’s J Line bus rapid transit, and proponents say it could ease traffic on the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Ferry operators would need to be ready to work with local labor groups, and ensure payments could be accepted accepted via LA Metro’s tap system.

At the time of the December 2025 vote, Hahn said a feasibility study determined prices for the water taxi could potentially be as low as $4 per seat.

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In a news release from Hahn’s office, the former LA Metro Board President said there was precedent for such a service, with a previous water ferry offering connecting between San Pedro and Long Beach with a stop at Terminal Island prior to the construction of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which opened more than 60 years ago.

“The 2028 Games are a chance to think bigger about the transit options we offer our residents,” Hahn said in that December news release. “A water taxi between San Pedro and Long Beach would be an opportunity to showcase our waterfront, cut down on traffic on the bridges, and give residents and visitors a memorable way to get to Olympic and Paralympic events. I appreciate the support of my colleagues, and this vote today brings us one step closer to making this a reality.”