Frequently Asked Questions
LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
GENERAL
What is Music City Loop?
Music City Loop will be a cutting-edge, zero-emission underground transit system connecting downtown Nashville and Music City Center to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Spanning almost 10 miles, it will take approximately 9 minutes to travel from BNA to downtown Nashville. Funded and operated by The Boring Company (TBC), it will transport passengers in a fleet of dedicated Tesla vehicles (initially Model Ys and Model Xs) through an underground tunnel network to their destinations with no intermediate stops. Trained drivers, referred to as Loop drivers, will operate the vehicles to enhance the passenger experience and provide an additional layer of safety, ensuring a personalized and secure ride.
How will information be shared?
TBC is committed to maximum transparency on this project and is open to ideas. To start:
TBC has established nashville@boringcompany.com. Please email any questions to this address; many will then be added to this dynamic FAQ.
Please email nashville@boringcompany.com if you represent a local organization or school that is interested in partnering.
Every 2 months, TBC will publish a blog post on X and on our website on the project — what is going well and where improvement is needed. The first blog post will be published on October 1. Blog frequency may increase over time.
TBC will host numerous in-person local meetings and events - if your organization is interested, please email nashville@boringcompany.com.
How will Music City Loop be funded? How much will it cost to ride?
Music City Loop is 100% privately funded by TBC, using no taxpayer dollars for construction or operation. Passengers will pay a fare to use Music City Loop transportation system. Fare prices have not been announced, but, as in Las Vegas, are expected to be lower than other transportation options. Stations will be funded by Music City Loop or other private parties, with no use of public funds. The total project cost is expected to be a few hundred million dollars.
Why Nashville?
TBC seeks to build useful systems that solve real problems in welcoming communities. Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. The city’s traffic congestion, high volume of tourists, strong workforce base, and ongoing economic momentum make it an ideal location for Music City Loop. This project aligns with the city's vision for innovative infrastructure and economic growth.
Additionally, Nashville voters overwhelmingly supported the Choose How You Move transit referendum in November 2024, signaling strong public support for additional transportation options. Music City Loop will further enhance and complement those transit options to further ease traffic congestion for Nashvillians.
Are there other tunnels in Nashville?
Yes! Nashville already has several tunnels, and there are tunneling projects currently under construction. TBC toured one of the active local tunneling sites (a water transport tunnel) to observe the local geology and discuss construction techniques in preparation for Music City Loop.
How long has Music City Loop been in discussion?
The first conversations occurred with state and local officials in March 2024. The project was formally announced in July 2025.
Will Music City Loop be safe?
Safety is at the center of Music City Loop’s design and operation. Like its sister system, the Vegas Loop, Music City Loop will meet or exceed the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-130) fire and life safety standards, and incorporate advanced safety features such as real-time gas and smoke detection, a wet standpipe system for fire suppression, and a bidirectional, redundant ventilation system to ensure air quality and emergency response capability. Tunnels are equipped with direct communications to a 24/7 staffed Operations Control Center via Blue Light Stations, LTE cell service, and secured WiFi links, as well as an emergency communications system tailored for police and fire departments. The absence of a third rail or touch-hazards eliminates electrical risks, and fully illuminated tunnels with redundant lighting systems ensure visibility. Comprehensive camera coverage provides 100% monitoring with no blind spots, including surveillance of passenger entry points to observe boarding activity and detect suspicious behavior, enabling real-time oversight. Loop drivers go through extensive initial and ongoing training, which includes emergency preparedness.
TBC works closely with local fire and police departments, undertaking hundreds of joint drills, to ensure first responders have the access and training they would need to act in the rare and unlikely event of an emergency.
In July 2025, Vegas Loop was awarded the Gold Standard Award by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the highest level of recognition the Transportation Security Administration gives to a transportation system for achieving top scores in security, emergency preparedness, and resilience. Vegas Loop was evaluated across 17 categories and earned a near-perfect score of 99.51% (the highest score ever awarded to a transportation system). The award reflects TBC’s commitment to the highest standards of safety and security for its riders for Vegas Loop and future Loops.
How is the Loop different from a subway?
Music City Loop will be an express public transportation system that resembles an underground highway more than a subway system. If a subway line had 100 stops, a train would typically stop at each station, so the journey between Station 1 and Station 100 would be long. In contrast, Loop passengers travel directly to their destination, anywhere between Station 1 to Station 100, without stopping at the intermediate stations. Thus, the express system allows Loop vehicles to have faster transit times and shorter wait times than conventional subway cars. Loop also allows the construction of many more stations along the alignment, as the stations are approximately 100x less expensive to build and, unlike a subway, the addition of an intermediate station does not result in slower transit times or increased wait times.
Has Vegas Loop been successful?
Yes, Vegas Loop has safely transported more than 3 million passengers between 8 stations. In its final form, Vegas Loop will serve up to 90,000 passengers per hour, rapidly connecting key locations such as Harry Reid International Airport, Allegiant Stadium, and resorts along the Las Vegas Strip, with transit times between 2 and 8 minutes. Based on its initial success, Clark County and the City of Las Vegas have approved and entitled 68 miles of tunnel and 104 stations, cementing Vegas Loop as a vital piece of the city's future infrastructure. The project also received the Gold Standard Award, the highest level of recognition in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security TSA.
What are the expected depth and diameter specifications for the tunnels?
The tunnel system will target a depth of approximately 30 feet below the surface, with adjustments as needed based on site conditions. Each tunnel will have an internal diameter of 12 feet.
How will project permitting and inspections be managed?
Several permits will be required for Music City Loop. The project will be permitted by the authorities that oversee each portion of the work, and all necessary inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance. Music City Loop looks forward to collaborating with the City of Nashville and the State of Tennessee.
Do land leases or sales at the airport require Council approval?
Land leases or sales at Nashville International Airport will follow the airport’s standard procedures and be approved by the Metro Nashville Airport Authority, consistent with other airport land agreements.
CONSTRUCTION
What happens next (as of today)?
The project is currently in the design phase. TBC and the TN stakeholders will be working on the final alignment, performing additional geotechnical borings, and beginning utility coordination. TBC has established one Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) launch site near the Tennessee Capitol and will work to establish at least 3 additional launch sites throughout the alignment. TBC will have many conversations with local property owners and businesses to establish station agreements, which themselves will influence the alignment (subject to regulatory approval). TBC is reaching out to local organizations and stakeholders to find the best ways to partner with the community and recruit locally, especially from universities and trade schools.
When will construction begin?
The project is currently in the design phase. In parallel, site preparation (i.e. infrastructure for the Tunnel Boring Machine) will occur in Q3 2025. Actual tunneling, pending design completion and permit issuance, will likely begin in Q4 2025. TBC will start with 1 TBM and scale up to at least 6. TBC expects to open the first operational segment of Music City Loop in Q1 2027, with additional sections coming online throughout the year — this is admittedly an aggressive schedule!
Will construction be disruptive? Is the ground going to shake?
TBC designs and builds TBMs that generate minimal vibration and noise. In general, pedestrians would feel less vibration from the TBM than from a person walking on the sidewalk next to them. TBC has tunneled beneath packed convention center halls and the construction was imperceptible to the attendees above ground.
How does TBC ensure it won’t hit utilities? Aren’t there wires and pipes down there?
Generally, utilities exist between 5 and 15 feet below the surface, and Loop tunnels are approximately 25 feet deep. TBC nevertheless conducts extensive investigation and surveying, including analyzing as-builts, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning, manhole investigation and potholing. TBC’s tunnel alignments also provide large spacing between the tunnels and utilities; if there is ever a close crossing, TBC will add sensors to the utility to detect any impact. On the TBM itself, TBC uses a redundant navigation system that is accurate to within 2 inches.
What is the process of tunneling underneath private property? Can you just tunnel under people’s land without permission?
Tunneling beneath private property requires the permission of the property owner. TBC typically enters into standard easement agreements (tunnel only) or station agreements (tunnel and station) with interested property owners. This agreement allows the company to construct the tunnel at a specific depth and alignment approved by the owner, ensuring transparency and consent throughout the process.
How many tunnels will there be per alignment?
The Music City Loop will feature twin unidirectional tunnels running parallel to each other, with each tunnel designed for one-way traffic to optimize flow and safety.
How will rock and dirt (“muck”) from tunneling be handled?
TBC will manage muck from Music City Loop tunneling by employing industry-standard practices. Excavated material will be removed from the launch site and transported to approved disposal or recycling facilities in compliance with Tennessee regulations, identical to any other excavation project (e.g. a shaft for the foundation of a high-rise building).
Does TBC use hazardous materials during the tunneling process?
No.
Does tunneling in Nashville present any unique challenges given its limestone and hard rock landscape?
TBC’s TBMs are well-equipped to handle Nashville’s hard rock; historically, rock TBMs are the fastest TBMs as rock is stable/competent when compared to sand or clay. TBC uses state-of-the-art geotechnical analysis, surveying, ground conditioning, and surface/subsurface settlement monitoring to ensure safe and efficient tunnel construction. Hard rock tunneling is a known construction/engineering problem with known solutions; many other tunnels have been built in Nashville (including right now!), with typically smaller diameters and lengths.
How does Loop prevent flooding and water intrusion?
The tunnels are watertight by gaskets that seal the segment joints and a 3-inch thick layer of grout sealant on the outside of the tunnel. (Vegas Loop is almost exclusively submerged and operates almost below the water table without issue). There are only limited areas where the water can enter the system (at the stations). The stations are elevated with barriers and/or drains with pumps to keep water from running into the system. If water does enter the system the tunnels have redundant high-power sump pumps to exit any water. And in the unlikely event that the tunnels do experience large amounts of water, this does not present an electrical hazard, as it would in a subway or tram system with an electrified third rail. For one real world example, in February 2025, there was flash flooding in Las Vegas with water sweeping cars down the Strip, yet Vegas Loop remained open and unaffected.
Where does the excavated material go?
Excavated material will be transported to licensed disposal sites for construction material that meet all state and local environmental and regulatory standards. This is the same process used for other Nashville construction projects. Excavated materials may be recycled or repurposed in compliance with all applicable environmental and regulatory requirements, to be used as fill for grading, raw material for new concrete and asphalt, and more!
How will Music City Loop handle Tennessee’s geology?
Detailed geotechnical investigations are underway along the alignment to assess the limestone formations. This work will ensure geological conditions are fully understood and addressed prior to tunneling operations.
How will Music City Loop navigate existing utilities, and will Music City Loop be responsible for the relocation of existing utilities?
Music City Loop is under extensive utility review with relevant parties to avoid conflicts with existing utilities. If necessary, Music City Loop will cover the cost of relocating utilities and adhere to all required permitting processes.
What impacts will this project have on surface areas and transportation?
No road closures or detours are anticipated. Music City Loop utilizes advanced tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that generate minimal vibration and noise. In Las Vegas, similar TBMs tunneled beneath fully occupied convention center halls without impacting activities above ground, and Music City Loop’s approach is designed to similarly minimize disturbances to streets, parking, and transit routes.
OPERATIONS
Where will Music City Loop stations be located, and how large will they be?
Music City Loop’s initial 10-mile system will connect downtown Nashville to the Nashville International Airport and hopefully will include major stops along the way, like Music City Center. Specific additional station locations along the alignment are still under evaluation, as TBC is engaging with the community to determine the most useful stops based on public feedback. Future expansions could include stations across other Nashville communities, with potential routes to be determined based on the city’s growth and transit needs, as well as input from the public and public officials. Stations will be designed to meet varying capacity needs: low-to-medium capacity stations can be 4 vehicle stalls with a footprint of 4,000 square feet, making them suitable for less dense areas, while higher capacity stations, such as those at an airport or a convention center, can be larger with 20 vehicle stalls and a footprint of 20,000 square feet. Stations can be either surface or subsurface, based on the property owner’s preference.
Where are the Tesla vehicles charged, and how does charging impact availability?
The dedicated fleet of Tesla vehicles used in Music City Loop will be charged at TBC’s maintenance centers, which themselves are located along the alignment. This allows maintenance and charging without driving on public roads. These charging hubs are designed to support high-volume, rapid turnaround of the fleet without disrupting operations. To ensure charging and maintenance does not affect availability, TBC’s fleet (i.e. the number of cars) is approximately 20% greater than the nominal vehicles needed to meet demand.
Will there be air pollution?
No. The TBMs and tunnel support vehicles used to build Music City Loop are zero-emission and all-electric. Once operational, the Tesla vehicles used for transportation are also zero-emission and all-electric.
How do people use Music City Loop?
To use Music City Loop, passengers will either purchase tickets in advance online/in app, or scan a QR code in person at the station. This digital ticketing process grants access to a vehicle, allowing passengers to travel through Music City Loop with zero-to-minimal wait times. Once inside, Tesla vehicles will travel up to 70 mph through the tunnel network, providing a fast, smooth, and direct trip to the passenger’s chosen destination. As an example, see www.lvloop.com for the Vegas Loop ticketing website.
Who do you ride with in Music City Loop, and why doesn’t TBC use high-occupancy vehicles?
Passengers in Music City Loop ride in a vehicle, specifically for them or their party, unless they choose to share a vehicle with others, ensuring a private and comfortable experience. Party sizes of 1-5 people allow the system to operate as an express service, traveling directly from an origin boarding station to the destination without stopping at intermediate stations, reducing travel time. There are some scenarios, such as to a stadium on game days (i.e. when many people have the same destination at the same time), where higher occupancy vehicles may be used.
Where do passengers put their luggage for airport trips?
Passengers can store luggage in the trunk, in the frunk, or in the vehicle interior.
Will there be human drivers or autonomous vehicles?
The system will initially have drivers. TBC will explore interest from Nashvillians and local officials to introduce autonomous vehicles in the future, always with a mind towards creating the safest system possible. In all cases, the vehicles will be connected through redundant communications paths to the Operations Control Center (OCC) at all times, ensuring real-time coordination and support. The OCC monitors the Loop and the fleet on a 24/7 basis (as is done in Las Vegas).
How will Music City Loop ensure secure tracking of vehicles in the tunnel?
Only Music City Loop vehicles will operate in the tunnels, along with authorized emergency and security vehicles. Music City Loop will utilize a variety of industry-leading capabilities and technology to ensure security and system monitoring. Vehicle activity will be monitored at all portals, and Music City Loop’s dedicated fleet of vehicles is equipped with GPS, transmitting real-time location data to the OCC for comprehensive tracking.
How will TBC ensure pedestrians do not access the tunnel, causing a hazard?
Tunnel access points in Music City Loop feature secure gates, access-controlled station entrances, and 100% camera coverage with no blind spots. In the unlikely event of unauthorized entry, Operations Control Center personnel or automated systems will immediately alert security, trigger red tunnel lighting, and prompt drivers to stop until the person is removed. When the system is closed, a rollup gate secures the tunnel entrances. Emergency responders will then be dispatched to safely remove the individual from the tunnel. Music City Loop tunnels are also designed so the surface drive itself provides over 9 feet of clear space, allowing people to safely and comfortably exit in compliance with NFPA-130 standards. By contrast, subway systems often have narrow 3-foot pathways crowded with passengers and first responders, which can slow movement and create conflicts during an evacuation.
If a vehicle battery ignited while in the tunnel, where would the smoke and hazardous gas vent from the tunnel?
In the unlikely event of a vehicle battery ignition, Music City Loop’s redundant, bidirectional ventilation system, exceeding NFPA-130 standards, will direct smoke and hazardous gases away from passenger egress and responder ingress toward ventilation outlets. Continuous monitoring for gas and smoke ensures passenger safety during all operations.
What contingency plans and protocols are in place to address critical incidents during the project?
Music City Loop has comprehensive contingency and routine operational procedures covering safety, security, environmental, and construction-related incidents. There are 71 documented procedures in total, including fire, evacuation (fire, active threat, disaster, etc.), loss of power, medical emergency and response, and flooding. All procedures are rehearsed during a mix of internal and external drills. Full drills occur every three months, and routine operational drills are conducted weekly.
How will access to the tunnels be managed to ensure only authorized responders can enter during an emergency?
During an emergency, Music City Loop security will promptly cordon off affected portal entrances and exits to restrict access to authorized responders only, ensuring controlled and safe entry for emergency personnel.
In the event of an emergency, will the tunnels provide enough space for passengers and employees to safely exit vehicles?
Yes, Music City Loop tunnels provide ample space for passengers and employees to safely and comfortably exit the vehicle with no obstructions in an emergency.
There have been discussions about projects in other cities such as Chicago. Why didn’t those projects move forward?
TBC regularly engages with cities across the country and the globe to determine the locations that will provide the best fit for our projects. Informal conversations or preliminary design studies are quite common. Many factors, including project utility, community support, political support, regulatory landscape, and technical feasibility, ultimately determine whether a project moves forward. In Nashville, all the boxes were checked, allowing TBC to feel confident in making such a large private investment.
What types of local jobs will be created by this project?
The project will create both construction and operations jobs. TBC is actively engaging with local organizations, universities, and trade schools to recruit Nashville residents. TBC is prioritizing local hiring, and available positions are posted on the Nashville careers page.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at nashville@boringcompany.com