LOS ANGELES — As eyes turn to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic Games, forward-thinking city planners across the U.S. are taking note of groundbreaking transit strategies developed by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) in preparation for the global event and how they could be adapted to other major public events.
Metro’s Special Event Transportation – Guidance and Opportunities (SetGo) Playbook is the latest example of how agencies are finding success through partnership with the Major Events Practice at WSP in the U.S.
| |
 |
| |
©LA Metro |
The SetGo Playbook is a comprehensive resource of best practices for transit agencies of all sizes to deliver transportation for major sports, entertainment and cultural events. WSP played a critical role in its preparation over the past two years, pulling from its transit and major event expertise to help Metro assemble its strategic playbook.
“Major events give us an opportunity to showcase what our agencies can do when tested to our limits,” said Stephanie Wiggins, Metro CEO. “Whether global, regional or local, this playbook strengthens our ability to deliver universal mobility and excellent service for attendees and riders by advancing the latest approaches in wayfinding, safety and security, crowd management and even ‘surprise and delight.’”
Rather than a rigid operations manual, the SetGo Playbook is a flexible framework based on best practices and real-world insights. It is grouped into five main categories: service planning, safety, security, customer experience and an overall mission and vision.
“The SetGo Playbook is a holistic tool positioned to ‘lift all boats’ and help agencies nationwide prepare for major events by tailoring specific solutions and asking the right questions,” said Jannet Walker-Ford, Advisory and Planning executive at WSP in the U.S. “It’s been an honor to support LA Metro in creating this first-of-a-kind living document, which establishes a template that can be customized for the 2028 Olympic Games to ensure this monumental opportunity is a springboard for sustainable growth and urban transformation.”
Organized into planning, delivery and after-action phases, Set Go provides guiding principles and visual indicators to help agencies focus their efforts efficiently and effectively.
“These event principles are not only applicable to 2028 but can extend to a wide array of major events, such as next summer’s FIFA Men’s World Cup, political conventions, major concerts, championship and all-star games, and more,” said Reed Alvarado, vice president, major event development and infrastructure at WSP in the U.S. “By using this playbook as a guide and starting point, we can ensure that events are meticulously planned, efficiently executed, and leave a lasting positive impression on communities and attendees alike.”
WSP, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, is working with transit agencies, cities and organizers across the country who host events of all sizes in their respective markets. The firm leverages extensive experience in zero-emission fleet transitions, safety and security, route network and transit planning – including more than 40 years working on major events globally.
About WSP in the U.S.
WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, WSP operates in more than 50 countries and employs approximately 73,000 professionals, known as Visioneers. WSP in the U.S.’s team of 19,000 professionals pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects across the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining and metals sectors.
Download press release