Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Technology Implemented in Subterranean Las Vegas Airport Tunnel; Future Plans Revealed
Last week, The Boring Company (TBC) presented a comprehensive plan for a groundbreaking transportation project in Las Vegas. The initiative aims to establish a direct underground link between the iconic Las Vegas Strip and Harry Reid International Airport, marking a significant step towards revolutionizing transportation in the city.
Last week, The Boring Company (TBC) unveiled a comprehensive plan for a groundbreaking transportation project in Las Vegas: a direct underground link between the Las Vegas Strip and Harry Reid International Airport.
TBC President Steve Davis announced that the company has initiated limited airport pickups as part of a phased approach to alleviate surface-level traffic congestion.
Phased Implementation Plan
The airport connection project is being rolled out in stages to ensure immediate point-to-point passenger movement.
Phase 1
Currently active, Phase 1 includes limited test rides (approximately 50 per day) using existing TBC Loop stations at Resorts World, Encore, Westgate, and the Las Vegas Convention Center. Recently, 100 out of 130 Teslas in the fleet were equipped with necessary airport transponders, enabling them to pick up passengers and operate on a route that combines tunnel travel and surface streets.
Phase 2
Phase 2, slated to commence in the upcoming months, involves the construction of a new 2.2-mile dual-direction tunnel from Westgate to Paradise Road. Once operational, vehicles will exit the tunnel much closer to the airport, eliminating two miles of surface traffic.
Phase 3
In Phase 3, the tunnel network will extend closer to Terminal 1 at Harry Reid Airport, bypassing the congested Tropicana and University Center intersection. To accommodate the increased demand, the Loop fleet will be doubled to nearly 300 vehicles.
Phase 4
The final stage, Phase 4, will feature a dedicated underground station directly at the airport terminals, enabling passengers to seamlessly transition from planes to Teslas without exposure to the sun.
FSD Integration
Simultaneously, vehicles within the tunnel are being upgraded. TBC vehicles are now equipped with Tesla Self-Driving technology and are operating under FSD (Supervised) for the first time with TBC employees monitoring the rides.
The Vegas Loop serves as a testing ground for FSD capabilities, focusing on evaluating its performance within the tunnel network. Eventually, speeds of up to 150 mph will be supported in certain sections.
2027 Completion Target
To meet the 2027 completion goal for the full 68-mile Vegas Loop, TBC must accelerate not only vehicle speeds but also the permit acquisition process.
Obtaining over 600 additional permits in Clark County is crucial for project completion. With approvals currently granted at a rate of one every 1-2 weeks, TBC is advocating for a streamlined permitting process akin to SpaceX's Starbase operations to expedite approvals.
TBC President Steve Davis announced that the company has initiated limited airport pickups as part of a phased approach to alleviate surface-level traffic congestion.
Phased Implementation Plan
The airport connection project is being rolled out in stages to ensure immediate point-to-point passenger movement.
Phase 1
Currently active, Phase 1 includes limited test rides (approximately 50 per day) using existing TBC Loop stations at Resorts World, Encore, Westgate, and the Las Vegas Convention Center. Recently, 100 out of 130 Teslas in the fleet were equipped with necessary airport transponders, enabling them to pick up passengers and operate on a route that combines tunnel travel and surface streets.
Phase 2
Phase 2, slated to commence in the upcoming months, involves the construction of a new 2.2-mile dual-direction tunnel from Westgate to Paradise Road. Once operational, vehicles will exit the tunnel much closer to the airport, eliminating two miles of surface traffic.
Phase 3
In Phase 3, the tunnel network will extend closer to Terminal 1 at Harry Reid Airport, bypassing the congested Tropicana and University Center intersection. To accommodate the increased demand, the Loop fleet will be doubled to nearly 300 vehicles.
Phase 4
The final stage, Phase 4, will feature a dedicated underground station directly at the airport terminals, enabling passengers to seamlessly transition from planes to Teslas without exposure to the sun.
FSD Integration
Simultaneously, vehicles within the tunnel are being upgraded. TBC vehicles are now equipped with Tesla Self-Driving technology and are operating under FSD (Supervised) for the first time with TBC employees monitoring the rides.
The Vegas Loop serves as a testing ground for FSD capabilities, focusing on evaluating its performance within the tunnel network. Eventually, speeds of up to 150 mph will be supported in certain sections.
2027 Completion Target
To meet the 2027 completion goal for the full 68-mile Vegas Loop, TBC must accelerate not only vehicle speeds but also the permit acquisition process.
Obtaining over 600 additional permits in Clark County is crucial for project completion. With approvals currently granted at a rate of one every 1-2 weeks, TBC is advocating for a streamlined permitting process akin to SpaceX's Starbase operations to expedite approvals.
