Elon Musk Is Bringing a 'People Mover' to Las Vegas Convention Center

March 19, 2019

Last week, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors voted on a proposal that could very well revolutionize the future of transportation in Southern Nevada. 

They selected Elon Musk’s The Boring Company to design, construct and operate a people mover for Las Vegas Convention Center. The project would entail a loop of underground express-route tunnels that could carry passengers in high-speed autonomous electric vehicles and have potential to connect LVCC to Downtown Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Boulevard Resort Corridor, McCarran International Airport and beyond.  

“The selection of The Boring Company for the Las Vegas Convention Center’s on-property, guest transportation solution leads the way to the evolution of transportation overall in Southern Nevada,” said Steve Hill, LVCVA president and CEO.

He continued, “Our destination thrives on innovation and reinvention, and The Boring Company’s concept allows us to continue providing the world-class experience our guests and clients have come to expect and move people in an efficient and cost-effective manner with advanced technology.”

Currently undergoing a $935 million expansion, the LVCC will span 200 acres when complete in time for CES in 2021, with on-foot conventioneers facing two miles of walking from end-to-end. Thus, the need for an on-property guest transportation solution is a pressing one, according to LVCVA officials.

In addition, the city’s mass-transit needs are steadily growing. In 2018 alone, Las Vegas boasted more than 42 million visitors, while the LVCC hosts more than 1 million convention attendees annually. Meanwhile, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada carries approximately 12 million passengers per year within the Las Vegas Boulevard Resort Corridor.

“Las Vegas is a high-energy, high-technology destination equipped to welcome the world, and we are excited to deliver a world-class mass transit system that will help visitors efficiently navigate the city’s many offerings,” said Steve Davis, president of The Boring Company.”

He added, “Upon approval, it can be in use by Las Vegas Convention Center guests within one year, supporting the LVCVA’s expansion timeline.”

The Boring Company is known as a leader in innovative transportation technology. Its projects include a research and development test tunnel in Hawthorne, Ca., which represents a fully operational 1.14-mile loop system costing less than $10 million per mile including internal tunnel infrastructure.

According to the proposal, the Las Vegas underground loop system will offer reduced costs, less disruption to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and faster construction time than traditional ground or above-ground options.

The loop will be designed to meet the full spectrum of ridership needs, including demands from future expansions, with a potential capacity of up to 11,000 passengers per hour. The system’s cost is estimated between $35 million and $55 million depending on route, number and size of stations.

Next, The Boring Company and LVCVA will determine the specific design, construction and operational plans and then negotiate a contract for the LVCVA Board’s final approval in a subsequent meeting by June of this year.

“Las Vegas has maintained its reputation as a leading travel destination because we are driven by innovation and hospitality,” Hill said. “This project is an example of how our leading principles can create an experience benefitting our community and valued visitors.”

 

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact