Tesla Launches Self-Driving Robotaxi Network in Texas

Tesla has officially launched its long-awaited Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, marking the company’s first real-world test of its fully autonomous ride-hailing network. The pilot program kicked off Thursday afternoon in a geofenced area of South Austin, with early testers now able to summon rides using the new Robotaxi mobile app.

Customers currently pay a $4.20 flat fee per ride in a new Model Y, according to Tesla (its dedicated Cybercab Robotaxi is coming out later). A Tesla employee sits in the front passenger seat during each trip, acting as a safety operator during the initial rollout. So it’s not exactly human-less yet, but this is what Waymo did in its early beginnings.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk celebrated the milestone saying, “Super congratulations to the @Tesla_AI software & chip design teams on a successful @Robotaxi launch!! Culmination of a decade of hard work. Both the AI chip and software teams were built from scratch within Tesla.”

Tesla AI, the division behind the self-driving system, said the approach is designed to be easily scalable, without relying on expensive sensors or highly detailed maps:

“Tesla self-driving can be deployed anywhere it’s approved. It does not require expensive, specialized equipment or extensive mapping of service areas. It just works.”

According to demos shared on X, the Robotaxi’s exterior lights pulse as it approaches so it’s easier to spot. Once you get in, the car automatically loads your media, streaming, and climate preferences—making it feel like your own Tesla, even if it’s not.

A Tesla employee is present for now, but the company appears to be laying the groundwork for fully driverless rides soon.

Also, when you try to leave a tip for a Robotaxi ride, you get a little easter egg in the app.

The launch in Austin is the first real test of Tesla’s Robotaxi ambitions, with plans to expand once approval is secured in more regions. As of now, only invited users in the geofenced zone have access to the app.

Check out the first videos shared to X below:

Here’s a tour of the Robotaxi app on iOS:

Below, you can also how the Robotaxi app supports Live Activities on iPhone, just like Uber (via @BLKMDL3):

There are already self-driving Waymo robotaxis in Austin, also operating in a geofenced area.

No word on when the Tesla Robotaxi network will ever launch in Canada, but the company has made it clear they are being super cautious in this first initial rollout.