Tesla has rolled out a small group of self-driving taxis to pick up paying passengers in Austin, Texas. The move marks the first time Tesla cars without human drivers have carried paying riders. CEO Elon Musk emphasized safety, limiting robotaxi operations to specific conditions, and restricting the service to neighborhoods with no one behind the wheel.
The trial is being conducted in a limited area with about 10 vehicles and front-seat riders acting as “safety monitors.” Riders can book a ride for $4.20 on Tesla’s app. Industry experts say it could take years or decades for Tesla and self-driving rivals like Waymo to fully develop a robotaxi industry.
The launch comes after more than a decade of Musk’s unfulfilled promises to deliver self-driving Teslas. The service will have restrictions, including avoiding bad weather, difficult intersections, and carrying individuals below 18. A new law signed by Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott requires a state permit for autonomous vehicles, but the industry is moving cautiously.
The law gives authorities the power to revoke permits for operators deemed a public danger and requires firms to provide information on how first responders can deal with their driverless vehicles in emergency situations. Compliance remains relatively easy compared to states like California, which has stricter regulations.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-tiptoes-into-long-promised-robotaxi-service-2025-06-22