The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) Board of Directors approved a $48,675,000 contract with Elon Musk’s The Boring Company (TBC). This contract was enacted on May 22, 2019, to design and construct a people mover. All as a result for the Las Vegas Convention Center. A people mover that could rapidly and safely carry passengers in autonomous electric vehicles. This will be via a loop of underground express-route tunnels.
The Authority Board of Directors approved the total contract value of $48,675,000. The contract highlights three underground passenger stations. Also a pedestrian tunnel and two vehicular tunnels. All consequently with an expected total length of approximately one mile. Other essential system components include the following:
a) An elevator/escalator system for passenger access to therefore each station
b) Pedestrian entrances, exits, coverings from the elements and landscaping
c) Tunnel lighting, power and video surveillance systems
d) A fully equipped control room
e) Cell phone, WiFi, intercom/PA, remote data and ventilation/life safety systems
“The Boring Company is excited to contribute to the future of Las Vegas, and work with leaders who have a vision for transportation,” said The Boring Company President Steve Davis.
The approval of the The Boring Co contract resulting from a multi-step process. One that started in 2018. All with a request for information to gauge interest. A request for proposal was then issued. Interviews with the selected finalists conducted by an evaluation team. One who determined the recommended company. The evaluation team was comprised of representatives from the Authority, private organizations including a Las Vegas resort property, and a consultant. Seems as if the consultant has experience in transportation systems, construction and operations of automated people-moving systems.
TBC’s contract calls for an underground loop system that offers reduced total costs, less disruption to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and faster construction time than traditional at-grade or above-ground options while maximizing passenger and pedestrian safety. The loop will be designed for ridership of at least 4,400 passengers per hour and is scalable depending on Las Vegas Convention Center attendance.
In conclusion and currently in the midst of an expansion, the LVCVA will span 200 acres when completes. All in time for Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2021. So therefore, conventioneers walking the facility from end to end would log approximately 1.5 miles. Thereby creating the need for an on-property guest transportation solution. In 2018, Las Vegas had more than 42 million visitors. The Las Vegas Convention Center hosts more than 1.6 million attendees annually.
Finally and overall, the tourism industry continues to be crucial to Southern Nevada’s economy. Generating $60 billion in total economic impact. Also supporting approximately 383,000 jobs and $16.4 billion in local wages and salaries. These jobs represent 39 percent of Southern Nevada’s total workforce.
Source: The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) http://www.vrtv.vegas/. For more information, go to www.visitlasvegas.com.
