Elon Musk's Boring Company Faces Challenges in Las Vegas and Beyond

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Elon Musk's Boring Company, which aims to build underground transportation systems, has faced a series of challenges and setbacks in its efforts to expand across the United States. Despite bold promises and sci-fi-inspired branding, the company's projects in cities like Chicago, Baltimore, and now Orange County, Florida have struggled to gain traction, with concerns over cost, feasibility, and safety.

Why it matters

Musk's ability to generate hype and distract with futuristic rhetoric has often overshadowed the practical realities of Boring Company's tunnel projects. This story highlights the gap between the company's grandiose vision and the difficulties it has faced in actually delivering functional transportation solutions, raising questions about Musk's leadership and the viability of Boring's approach.

The details

The Boring Company's first major project, the Las Vegas Loop, has faced criticism over its limited capacity, slow speeds, and reliance on using regular roads at times. Despite plans for an expansive 68-mile system, the company has only completed 8 miles so far, with passengers shuttled in driver-operated Tesla vehicles at a top speed of 35 mph. The company has also faced numerous environmental violations and worker safety issues in Las Vegas. Similarly, Boring's proposed projects in other cities like Chicago, Baltimore, and San Antonio have either fallen apart or stalled due to concerns over cost, feasibility, and lack of clear benefits.

• Boring Company started tunneling in Las Vegas in 2019.
• Boring Company has completed 8 miles of the planned 68-mile Las Vegas Loop system so far.
• In 2021, Fort Lauderdale, Florida considered hiring Boring Company but backed off, though a 'more pro-tunnel' commission revived the idea in 2025 before it was abandoned again.

What they’re saying