Welcome to the future of urban transportation in Las Vegas! The revolutionary Vegas Loop, an underground tunnel system, is transforming the way people travel within the city. Imagine gliding smoothly from the Las Vegas Convention Center to Resorts World in a sleek Tesla vehicle, all while avoiding the infamous traffic congestion above ground. Intrigued? Read on to discover how this innovative transportation system works and what to expect in terms of costs, accessibility, and safety.
Key takeaways
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The Vegas Loop is an underground transportation system consisting of Tesla electric vehicles that currently serves the Las Vegas Convention Center and Resorts World.
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Passengers can access stations conveniently, board safely, and enjoy a comfortable journey with accessible features such as falcon doors, ramps, elevators etc.
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The Boring Company provides safety measures to ensure secure transport experience for up to 4400 passengers per hour.
Understanding the Vegas Loop system
Las Vegas, a city synonymous with excitement and innovation, is home to the groundbreaking Vegas Loop. This underground transportation system, consisting of Tesla electric vehicles navigating through tunnels built by The Boring Company, currently serves the Las Vegas Convention Center and Resorts World, with future expansion plans in the works. With direct access to various points of interest, including the Fremont Street Experience, the Vegas Loop is expected to drastically change the city’s traffic situation and boost its tourism industry.
The Resorts World-LVCC Loop currently has a stop at the Riviera Station, close to the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. After that, it moves on to the LVCC West Station. Expansion plans are gaining momentum as numerous casinos and properties along the Las Vegas Strip and downtown express interest in integrating their own routes into the Vegas Loop.
Tesla vehicles in the tunnel
Tesla vehicles used in the Vegas Loop combine eco friendliness with comfort and efficiency, offering passengers a unique transportation experience. The Tesla Model S, Model 3, and Model X are the vehicles of choice, accommodating up to three passengers and offering a smooth ride between stations like the Resorts World Passenger Station and other locations within the Vegas Loop.
Tesla vehicles suitability for tunnel transportation can be attributed to their:
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Electric power.
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Autonomy.
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High speed.
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Capacity.
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Integration capabilities.
These features ensure that passengers enjoy a seamless and efficient journey between various points of interest in Las Vegas.
The Boring Company's role - Las Vegas Convention Center
Founded by Elon Musk, The Boring Company is responsible for the construction and implementation of the Vegas Loop system. Their involvement began in late 2019 with the construction of the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop, a three station transportation system stretching 1.7 miles.
The Boring Company utilized their fast-to-dig and cost effective tunneling methods to construct the Vegas Loop system. Their goal is to cut tunneling costs by 90% by employing:
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Smaller tunnel diameters.
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Advanced equipment.
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Modern techniques.
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Investing in research and development.
How to ride the Tesla Tunnel
Even for first timers, navigating the Tesla Tunnel is a straightforward process. The step by step guide below outlines the process of entering the station, boarding the Tesla vehicle, and exiting at your destination.
First, select a short queue and wait for a Tesla vehicle to arrive at the station. Upon exiting, leave the door open for incoming passengers to close it. Having your LVCC pass is essential. It must be shown when exiting any of the LVCC stations.
Drivers ensure a smooth and safe boarding process for passengers when boarding the Tesla vehicle in the Vegas Loop, providing assistance at the designated stations.
Entering the station
Entering the station is as simple as following the signs and waiting in the designated area for your Tesla vehicle. The Vegas Loop stations comprise four passenger stations located at key LVCC destinations, providing convenient access to nearby transportation.
The layout consists of a grid of around nine parallel single/dual-bore tunnels running north-south. There’s a designated pick up zone within each Vegas Loop station, such as the North Valet lower level at the ARIA Rideshare pickup, which can be accessed by following the signage on Harmon Circle down the ramp under the overpass towards the lower level.
Boarding the Tesla vehicle
Once your Tesla vehicle arrives, boarding is a seamless process. Departing passengers leave the door open, allowing subsequent passengers to close it. The vehicles have no internal touch hazards, allowing passengers to safely exit in case of an emergency.
The Boring Company, which operates the Vegas Loop, is committed to upholding the highest safety standards and works closely with local safety and emergency personnel to ensure the safety of passengers.
Exiting at your destination
Disembarking at Harry Reid International Airport is straightforward, with easily identifiable signage and directions within the station. Upon reaching their destination in the Vegas Loop, passengers are instructed to close the door upon entry and stand in the designated area.
No indication of a desired stop is necessary within the Tesla Tunnel, as the system is designed to take passengers directly to their destination without intermediate stops.
Current stations
The current stations of the Vegas Loop include the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop and Resorts World Station, connected by the Riviera Station. The Resort World Station is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on their official website.
These stations are strategically located at key LVCC destinations, providing convenient access to nearby transportation and attractions.
Planned expansion
The planned expansion of the Vegas Loop is set to transform Las Vegas transportation landscape, with over 50 new stations connecting major resorts, downtown areas, and other key locations. The Clark County commissioners have made a decision that favors Boring Tunnels expansion plan. This will grant direct access to popular resorts like Westgate and Encore.
Accessibility features and accommodations
The Vegas Loop’s accessibility features and accommodations guarantee a comfortable journey for all passengers, including those with disabilities. Tesla’s Model X, used in the Vegas Loop, offers:
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Easy entry and exit with forward opening falcon doors.
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These doors can be opened and closed with the press of a button, providing convenience for those with limited mobility.
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They can also be operated using a key fob or mobile app for remote control.
Station accessibility features include:
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Ramps and elevators for passengers with disabilities.
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Color coded and legible signage for visually impaired passengers.
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Audible announcements to indicate the direction of the trains for visually impaired passengers.
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Induction loop systems for passengers with hearing impairments.
These features are provided at Las Vegas Loop stations, as part of the Vegas Loop system.
Vehicle design
The vehicle design of Tesla’s Model X facilitates accessibility on the Vegas Loop, featuring forward opening falcon doors for easy entry and exit. The doors open vertically, enabling passengers to enter and exit the vehicle without needing to bend or crouch. Furthermore, the doors can be closed automatically with a press of a button or through proximity detection, making it more convenient for riders with limited mobility.
Station accessibility
Each Vegas Loop station provides accessibility features, including ramps, elevators, and other accommodations for passengers with disabilities. Visually impaired passengers can navigate the stations with ease, thanks to color coded and legible signage, as well as audible announcements to indicate the direction of the trains.
For those with hearing impairments, induction loop systems ensure a seamless transportation experience.
Safety measures and emergency procedures
The Vegas Loop system prioritizes safety by implementing numerous measures and emergency procedures, providing a secure and efficient transportation experience. The tunnels are constructed with:
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Non-flammable material.
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Ventilation systems.
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Emergency exits.
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Design to mitigate potential flooding.
Tesla drivers in the Vegas Loop receive comprehensive training in advanced reversing techniques and emergency procedures, equipping them to handle any potential emergencies, such as:
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Fires.
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Crashes.
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Medical incidents.
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Other incidents that could occur in the Vegas Loop.
The Boring Company, which operates the Vegas Loop, is committed to upholding the highest safety standards and works closely with local safety and emergency personnel to ensure the safety of passengers.
Tunnel design and construction
The Vegas Loop System tunnels feature a three station underground loop system of 1.7 miles in length, complete with emergency exits, fire detection systems, and fire suppression systems. This system is designed to accommodate up to 4,400 passengers per hour, prioritizing safety and efficiency.
The one way traffic flow in the Vegas Loop System provides safety advantages by lowering the possibility of head on collisions and decreasing conflicts between vehicles, creating a safer and more efficient transportation experience.
Handling stalled vehicles
In the event of a stalled vehicle, Tesla drivers in the Vegas Loop tunnel receive comprehensive training on how to safely reverse out of the tunnel. This advanced reverse driving technique is essential for navigating the tunnel system effectively.
The Boring Company, which operates the Vegas Loop, is committed to upholding the highest safety standards and works closely with local safety and emergency personnel to ensure the safety of passengers.
Summary
The Vegas Loop is an innovative transportation solution that promises to revolutionize travel within Las Vegas. With its current stations and ambitious expansion plans, the Vegas Loop offers a glimpse into the future of urban transportation. Accessibility features, safety measures, and emergency procedures ensure a comfortable and secure ride for all passengers. As the city continues to grow and evolve, the Vegas Loop will undoubtedly play a crucial role in connecting people and places throughout Las Vegas, making the city more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Can you ride the Tesla tunnel Las Vegas?
Yes, you can ride the Tesla tunnel in Las Vegas. It takes approximately 15 minutes and is a smooth and easy ride up the ramp with drop off at the end.
What are the current stations in the Vegas Loop?
The Vegas Loop currently consists of the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop, Riviera Station and Resorts World Station.