In a groundbreaking moment for urban transportation, Elon Musk unveiled his first underground high-speed tunnel beneath Los Angeles, promising to revolutionize how we navigate city traffic. The Boring Company, founded by Musk in 2016, has transformed a long-held dream into reality with a 1.14-mile test tunnel that aims to alleviate the soul-crushing congestion plaguing the city.

Last month, Musk himself took CBS anchor Gail King on a thrilling ride through the tunnel, where they experienced speeds approaching 50 mph—far from the envisioned 150 mph. The tunnel features a series of colored lights guiding drivers on when to accelerate or decelerate, creating a futuristic environment that feels both exhilarating and slightly rough around the edges. Musk’s vision includes a network of electric, self-driving cars zipping through these tunnels, potentially offering transit fares as low as $1.

This ambitious project is more than just a test run; it represents Musk’s commitment to tackling urban traffic woes head-on. The tunnel runs approximately 40 feet underground, adjacent to SpaceX headquarters, and aims to provide a glimpse into a future where traffic jams could become a relic of the past. With autonomous technology ensuring safety at high speeds, the possibilities seem limitless.

As the public reacts to this first phase, Musk is poised to expand his vision, potentially introducing a high-speed subway system that could outpace jets. The stakes are high, and the urgency is palpable: will this innovation reshape urban commuting, or will it fall short of its promise? As the world watches, the Boring Company’s tunnel could very well be the first step toward a transformative transportation era. Stay tuned as developments unfold in this high-speed race against time.