Musk’s Hyperloop Company Gets Initial Permit in Washington, D.C.

The Boring Co., a Los Angeles-based startup formed by Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk 14 months ago, has been approved to start initial work on a proposed underground hyperloop tunnel in Washington, D.C.

The permit allows Boring to create a “construction staging area” along New York Ave. that includes preparatory and excavation work. City officials confirm the project. But they characterize it as a developmental step aimed at getting a better understanding of the hyperloop concept.

Last summer Musk said he had received “verbal government approval” to create a hyperloop service that connects Baltimore and Washington, D.C., with Philadelphia and New York City. The system promises to transport passengers between New York and D.C. in 29 minutes, covering the 225 miles at an average 465 mph.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser visited Boring’s facilities in California earlier this month to learn more about the technology. Several other companies are developing above-ground hyperloop rails that will enable people to ride in pods that can travel as fast as 750 mph.​​