Elon Musk’s Boring Company Is in Talks With Government Over Amtrak Project
The Boring Company, founded by Elon Musk, is in discussions with the Federal Railroad Administration to potentially assist in the Frederick Douglass Tunnel project, a significant Amtrak infrastructure initiative. This tunnel, connecting Baltimore to Washington, has seen its estimated cost rise from $6 billion to $8.5 billion, prompting the consideration of the Boring Company's more cost-effective tunneling methods. However, the involvement of Musk, who also advises the Trump administration, raises conflict of interest concerns, especially given his leadership in multiple companies. Additionally, Musk's previous proposals, like the hyperloop and privatization of Amtrak, reflect his critical stance on traditional rail projects. Despite these discussions, no final decisions have been made regarding the engineering contract for the tunnel's construction.
Context:
The Boring Company, founded by Elon Musk, is in discussions with the Federal Railroad Administration to potentially assist in the Frederick Douglass Tunnel project, a significant Amtrak infrastructure initiative. This tunnel, connecting Baltimore to Washington, has seen its estimated cost rise from $6 billion to $8.5 billion, prompting the consideration of the Boring Company's more cost-effective tunneling methods. However, the involvement of Musk, who also advises the Trump administration, raises conflict of interest concerns, especially given his leadership in multiple companies. Additionally, Musk's previous proposals, like the hyperloop and privatization of Amtrak, reflect his critical stance on traditional rail projects. Despite these discussions, no final decisions have been made regarding the engineering contract for the tunnel's construction.
Dive Deeper:
The Federal Railroad Administration is evaluating the Boring Company's potential contribution to the Frederick Douglass Tunnel, a major Amtrak project meant to replace the aging Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel.
Amtrak's initial cost estimate for the tunnel was $6 billion, but it has now escalated to $8.5 billion, sparking the search for more efficient construction solutions.
Elon Musk's involvement in the project discussions has led to scrutiny over possible conflicts of interest due to his advisory role to President Trump and ownership of several companies.
The Boring Company claims it can offer more affordable and efficient tunneling techniques, but it has yet to successfully complete several proposed U.S. projects.
Musk has previously criticized Amtrak and suggested its privatization, reflecting his broader skepticism towards large-scale public rail projects.
Despite the Boring Company's involvement, no decisions have been made on the new engineering contract, and Amtrak continues to coordinate with the Department of Transportation on the bidding process.
Steve Davis, a key Musk associate, leads the Boring Company and has been tasked with implementing Musk's cost-cutting vision for the government, despite past criticisms of project delays.