World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
SoCal city eyes high-speed coastal ferry linking beach towns ahead of 2028 Olympics
Long Beach is advancing plans for a high-speed coastal ferry network linking seven destinations from Malibu to the South Bay. The service could offer commuters and visitors an alternative to congested roads, and provide an additional transport option ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The city has partnered with Harbor Breeze, a local maritime operator, to support the service’s launch and reliability. Rainbow Harbor is expected to be the first Long Beach dock, while Belmont Pier and Alamitos Bay are being considered for further stops; a Malibu to Santa Monica trip is projected to take about 18 minutes by ferry, compared with more than 32 minutes by car.
In short
- Long Beach is advancing plans for a seven-stop coastal ferry.
- A Malibu to Santa Monica ride could take about 18 minutes.
- The network is being planned ahead of the 2028 Games.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A coastal ferry could give commuters and visitors a faster alternative to congested roads, while adding transport capacity for the 2028 Games. Linking beach towns by water may improve access between communities and make better use of the coastline, especially if the service proves reliable and attracts enough riders.
The case against
The proposal’s benefits depend on reliable service, convenient docks and enough demand to justify the cost; projected journey times alone do not show whether the ferry will be practical door to door. Public and private resources might deliver more value through other transport improvements, and added stops or operations could raise costs and affect coastal areas.