Tesla has officially launched its Robotaxi service in Austin, deploying a fleet of driverless Model Y SUVs. This marks a significant step in CEO Elon Musk’s long-standing vision of autonomous ride-hailing, despite lingering questions about safety and operational specifics. The service, priced at $4.20 per ride, is currently available to a select group of invited users who received early access through a dedicated app.
Operating daily from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, the Robotaxis are confined to a limited area in South Austin. Each vehicle includes a Tesla employee in the front passenger seat acting as a “safety monitor,” though their exact role remains unclear. Unlike competitors such as Waymo, Tesla’s autonomous system relies solely on cameras and AI, bypassing lidar and radar technologies.
Initial reports from social media highlight mixed experiences. Some users praised the smooth rides, while others noted abrupt braking incidents near emergency vehicles. Tesla has not clarified whether these behaviors stem from software limitations or intentional safety protocols. The company also faces scrutiny for its lack of transparency, having blocked public records requests related to the service.
The launch fleet consists of approximately ten modified 2025 Model Ys equipped with an updated version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software. Notably, the in-cabin camera is disabled by default and activated only for emergencies or post-ride inspections. Riders are permitted to document their trips but risk account suspension if they share content depicting rule violations.
While Tesla celebrates the rollout as a milestone, industry experts caution that scaling the service will require addressing unresolved technical and regulatory challenges. Observers on the ground, including autonomous vehicle analysts, note that the vehicles remain in a cautious testing phase, with safety monitors serving as a bridge to full autonomy.
