Tesla has officially launched its highly anticipated Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the autonomous vehicle industry. CEO Elon Musk confirmed the rollout in a post on X Sunday morning, announcing that customers will pay a flat fee of $4.20 per ride at launch.
The Robotaxi pilot, powered by Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, is now live and offering fully autonomous rides in modified Model Y vehicles across select zones in Austin. This launch comes after weeks of preparation, with self-driving Model Y Robotaxi prototypes spotted on the streets of Austin leading up to the official rollout. Tesla also sent out exclusive invites to select users earlier this week for the commercial service launch.
Early Access invitees can now download the Robotaxi app and order their first ride. The initial fleet consists of approximately 10 vehicles, with a Tesla Safety Monitor present in the passenger seat for added security. The $4.20 flat fare, a playful nod to Musk’s internet meme of choice, makes Tesla’s Robotaxi service one of the most affordable autonomous ride-hailing options available.
For now, the Robotaxi rollout is limited to carefully mapped zones in south central Austin, avoiding the city’s more complex intersections. The current operational area stretches from Zilker and South Lamar to Lakeshore and East Riverside – Oltorf, north of the 290. This strategic approach allows Tesla to focus on providing a seamless and safe experience for users within a specific geographic area.
The launch of the Robotaxi service signifies a significant step forward in Tesla’s mission to revolutionize personal transportation. With more users now able to sign up for access through Tesla’s website, the company’s ambitions for a widespread Robotaxi network are becoming increasingly tangible. As the service expands and evolves, all eyes will be on Austin to see how Tesla continues to shape the future of autonomous transportation.