Tesla has just launched its new Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas—a significant step in CEO Elon Musk’s push towards fully autonomous transport. With this move, Tesla joins peers like Waymo, Zoox, and Motional in the competitive ride‐hailing market. For instance, Waymo logs around 250,000 rides each month, earning nods such as the 2025 RBR50 Robot of the Year, while Motional and Zoox are busy expanding in Las Vegas.
The service features a fleet of Model Y vehicles outfitted with Tesla’s proprietary Full Self-Driving software. Although rides are available both day and night, they currently operate only in clear weather and are limited to a select group of investors and influencers. In a playful nod to culture, every ride costs a flat rate of $4.20—irrespective of the journey’s length. Even with the vehicles driving themselves, a Tesla safety monitor is on board in the passenger seat, supported by remote oversight.
Some early users in Austin have noted a few bumps along the way, such as unexpected lane changes, challenges with designated drop-off zones, and occasional glitches with the app’s pickup and drop-off settings. However, many shared videos and comments highlight the overall positive experience, particularly among Tesla enthusiasts and key automotive influencers. Having experienced Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology firsthand—and recalling a smooth ride in a Zoox robotaxi in Las Vegas—I can appreciate these initial teething issues as part of the journey towards more refined autonomous services.
If you’ve ever struggled with new tech adjustments, you’ll understand that early challenges often pave the way for improvements. As Tesla continues to refine its service, we can look forward to a future where autonomous rides become a more familiar part of everyday travel.
