Elon Musk’s Texas takeover could extend to San Antonio. His tunnel company is pitching a transportation plan involving Teslas traveling in underground tubes to the city, the San Antonio Business Journal reported. City leaders are in discussions with the Boring Company, which builds underground tunnels for cars, freight, pedestrians, utilities and loops.
The Boring website proposes to “solve traffic,” among other things, with the company’s products — an appealing prospect to city and transportation leaders. After a three-year public process, the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority last month identified a Boring Company plan as its top choice in that pursuit.
The proposed $250 million project would mean construction of two underground tunnels that are 12 feet in diameter. They would connect the San Antonio International Airport with the city center.
The mobility authority would share in revenue from ridership, and the county agency could to sell bonds to generate additional revenue if it can demonstrate the funding is durable
While the tunnels ‘n’ Teslas approach to the city’s traffic issues is theoretical at this point, Alamo Regional Mobility Authority chair Mike Lynd is a believer.
“I think it’s very real,” Lynd said. “I think this is something that has a chance to be a game changer for San Antonio.”
Expected regional growth could drive up the costs connected with existing roadway infrastructure to more than $8 billion, according to Lynd. “This is a project that fixes congestion, increases mobility and produces a revenue stream. It extends the useful life of our existing infrastructure.”
The authority will continue discussions with the company but will also seek more data before making a call.
Musk is working on tunnel research and development Austin, where Tesla and the Boring Company are headquartered. He has also proposed building commuting tunnels for workers at his SpaceX facility on the Texas coast.
Musk’s company is also working with the city of Las Vegas, where it has completed a small loop under the convention center.
[San Antonio Business Journal] — Cindy Widner
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