A corrugated metal building with words "the boring company" painted on the front and two men posing inside a large ring.
Credit: Steve Jurvetson/Flickr

Elon Musk’s underground transit project raises concerns over oversight and safety

Elon Musk’s Vegas Loop project promises a futuristic transit solution, but a lack of oversight and environmental scrutiny has raised questions about safety, labor practices and long-term feasibility.

Daniel Rothberg reports for ProPublica and Dayvid Figler reports for City Cast Las Vegas.


In short:

  • Musk’s Boring Company bypassed traditional environmental and safety reviews by partnering with Las Vegas tourism officials, enabling rapid expansion with minimal public input.
  • Regulators have fined the company for environmental violations, including discharging untreated water and operating without permits, while labor complaints highlight unsafe working conditions.
  • Critics argue that a private, untested transportation system with limited oversight poses risks to public safety and the environment, yet local leaders continue to back its expansion.

Key quote:

“All their answers are completely evasive. So there are significant operational concerns.”

— Nevada transportation industry expert who requested anonymity

Why this matters:

Skeptics warn that relying on a private, untested system could come at a steep cost. With Musk advising the Trump administration on slashing regulations, the Vegas Loop might be a preview of what’s to come: a fast lane to the future with few checks on who’s steering.

Read more: The climate crisis demands a move away from car dependency

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