Features

Musk company sets out innovative Dodger Stadium transport plan

The Boring Company, a firm owned by US business mogul Elon Musk, has proposed an innovative solution to aid transportation issues surrounding attending games at Dodger Stadium, home of Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Boring Company is proposing to build Dugout Loop, a zero-emissions, high-speed, underground public transportation system from the Los Feliz, East Hollywood, or Rampart Village neighbourhoods, which are located near metro stations, to Dodger Stadium.

The purpose of Dugout Loop is to help reduce traffic in Los Angeles by providing a clean and efficient public transportation option to Dodger Stadium. Dugout Loop will seek to complement existing public transportation systems and provide an all-electric and affordable option that will transport baseball fans and concertgoers directly to Dodger Stadium in less than four minutes.

An approximately 3.6-mile tunnel will be created which will connect Dodger Stadium to the western terminus entirely beneath public right-of-way or land owned or leased by the Boring Company. The eastern terminus will be located on privately owned property at or near the Dodger Stadium parking lot.

Boring is targeting transporting an initial 1,400 fans per event in pod-like electric skates, which could carry between eight and 16 passengers per trip, and would travel at up to 150 miles per hour. The construction project, which still requires approval from city authorities, is expected to take 14 months to complete and will be privately funded by Boring. Passengers are expected to be charged fares of around $1 (£0.8/€0.9).

Tucker Kain, chief financial officer for the Dodgers, said in a statement reported by the USA Today newspaper: “We were excited when The Boring Company came to us with this project. Whether it is flying overhead in an aerial transit system or bypassing traffic through an underground tunnel, we are always looking for innovative ways to make it easier for Dodgers fans to get to a game. We are committed to working with our neighbours and fans as the project moves forward.”

Boring’s plan has also gained backing from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. He told the Wired website: “It’s a great example of public-private partnership. We always reimagine the future in Los Angeles. We’ve always looked for new ways to move around.”

Image: The Boring Company