Elon Musk revolutionizing urban transit with $1, 150mph underground rides
What's the story
Elon Musk has introduced Loop, a personalized mass transit system which would carry up to 16 passengers at a speed of 150 mph in all-electric, underground pods.
The project will pilot in Los Angeles.
In theory, Loop can transport commuters from downtown LA to the LA international airport in eight minutes at a charge of $1 per passenger.
Context
Boring Company already digging tunnels to create fast transportation lanes
While Loop is being overseen by Musk's Boring Company, the concept is not to be confused with the company's grander cross-country Hyperloop project which aims at transporting people at 750 mph via low-cost tunnels.
It promises a 30-minute travel between New York and Washington.
Whereas Loop will function out of small stations the size of parking lots. The two systems could eventually be connected.
Details
Loop to be tested on 2.7-mile underground tunnel
As a start, the Boring Company will test Loop on a 2.7-mile tunnel running north to south in LA.
It will be privately funded. Notably, the Boring Company has raised almost $113 million just last month.
Once the testing is completed, the project will kick off by initially offering free rides to the public.
Information
Upgrading LA's transport infrastructure
The Boring Company will give pedestrian traffic priority access to the Loop system. Musk also assured that Loop will supplement LA's existing transport systems and be congruous with the city life. This will happen due to its non-requirement of building large stations in the city.
Competition
Underground transportation system vs flying cars
Musk also reiterated how flying cars is not a good solution to the problem of traffic congestion, taking a dig at Uber's upcoming flying taxis project.
Musk said that underground transportation systems are weather-proof and allow the creation of as many lanes as one wants (as opposed to highways that have an outer limit).
Tunnels are "way less nerve-racking than flying cars," he added.