Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed the launch of the company’s highly anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with driverless rides starting at a flat rate of $4.20.
Spotted on South Congress Avenue on Sunday morning, several driverless Tesla Model Y vehicles were seen operating with no one in the driver’s seat—though a safety monitor sat in the passenger seat, according to a Reuters witness. It’s unclear how much control these monitors have, as Tesla has not responded to requests for comment.
As the pilot began, Texas lawmakers took steps to regulate the use of autonomous vehicles. A new law, signed by Governor Greg Abbott, will take effect on September 1. It mandates permits for autonomous vehicles and allows state officials to revoke those permits if public safety is compromised.
Tesla’s trial is limited to select areas in Austin and includes 10 to 20 robotaxis. Only invited Tesla enthusiasts are allowed to participate. The vehicles operate under strict guidelines, avoiding challenging intersections, bad weather, and not transporting minors.
Tesla’s launch arrives amid high expectations and scrutiny. The company relies solely on camera-based tech for navigation, rejecting the lidar and radar systems used by competitors like Waymo and Zoox. Musk emphasized safety as a top priority and said the trial would be postponed if necessary.
Tesla is pushing forward in an industry that remains cautious after incidents involving other driverless car programs, such as GM’s Cruise, which was shut down following a fatal accident.
