The Tesla Robotaxi service has officially launched in Austin, Texas, offering rides for a flat fare of $4.20 per ride. Currently, the driverless Model Ys are only accessible to Tesla enthusiasts and influencers who receive individual invites from the company. While the service is not yet available to the general public, the initial group of riders has shared their experiences from the first rides.
Videos shared online by riders provide a glimpse into the driverless cab service in action. Model Y vehicles, labeled with “robotaxi,” were seen picking up passengers without a driver in select areas of Austin. Each car had a Tesla employee monitoring from the passenger’s seat.
To book a ride, passengers download the Robotaxi app, which syncs with Tesla owners’ accounts to personalize the ride experience. Music, apps, and seat settings are ready for passengers when they enter the vehicle.
One interesting feature observed during the rides is the special camera-cleaning function of the front windshield wipers. Instead of wiping the entire windshield, the wipers focus on cleaning the area over the forward-facing camera, ensuring clear vision for the vehicle’s AI system.
While most rides went smoothly, there were a few instances of erratic behavior. One video showed the robotaxi swerving into the oncoming lane before correcting itself, while another captured the vehicle exceeding the speed limit. A Tesla employee riding shotgun was seen intervening in certain situations using a button on the passenger’s side door handle.
Despite these challenges, the robotaxi successfully navigated other scenarios, such as pulling over for an ambulance and safely stopping for a pedestrian on the road. CEO Elon Musk described the launch as the “culmination of a decade of hard work.”
Tesla’s unique approach to product launches involves relying on fans and investors to share their experiences through social media. While media coverage is limited, enthusiast videos provide insight into the robotaxi’s performance.
Looking ahead, Texas has introduced new laws for autonomous vehicle testing, requiring companies like Tesla to provide additional information for public safety. The future of the Tesla Robotaxi service in Austin remains promising, with ongoing improvements and regulatory compliance shaping the way forward.