After a decade of promises, Tesla began picking up paying passengers in driverless robo-taxis in downtown Austin on Sunday, June 22. The vehicles are operating only in a limited area as the state prepares to tighten regulations on autonomous vehicles.
Elon Musk called the launch of the first official service on the X network Sunday afternoon the "culmination of a decade of hard work" Tesla Robotaxi in Austin. Driverless Model Ys have appeared on the streets of the famous South Congress district, with only a staff member in the passenger seat to ensure safety. The fare for the ride is a flat $4.20, and the order is made through the new Tesla Robotaxi app.
Tesla Robotaxi – test fleet and safety restrictions
Tesla has put about a dozen robo-taxis on the road in the first phase, operating only on a pre-determined loop in inner Austin. The vehicles avoid bad weather, difficult intersections, and do not carry anyone under the age of 18. The front seats are reserved for “safety supervisors” who can take over in an emergency, though the level of involvement is not entirely clear.
Technological specialty
Unlike competitors Waymo (Alphabet) and Zoox (Amazon), which use a combination of lidar, radar and cameras, Tesla still relies solely on cameras and its own computer vision. Musk insists that this approach is significantly cheaper and ultimately safer, but critics point out its vulnerability in fog, heavy rain or bright sunlight. Tesla Robotaxi, according to the first videos today, is doing things really well.
Regulatory framework
Just two days before the launch, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill requiring a state permit for every driverless “Level 4 vehicle” starting Sept. 1. The process is supposed to be simple — the company must demonstrate compliance with the law — but the permit can be quickly revoked if the vehicle poses a risk to the public. The new law marks a departure from the previous “zero regulation” policy of 2017, which prevented cities from overseeing autonomous vehicles.
Business importance
Several analysts believe Tesla's market value is based largely on the success of its Tesla Robotaxi and Optimus humanoid robot projects. A successful Austin test would be "the end of the beginning," says Carnegie Mellon computer science professor Philip Koopman, but the road to mass adoption will still take years, he says.
Public reactions – Tesla Robotaxi
Tesla sent out invitations to select influencers last week. Among the first to ride in the robotaxi was investor and blogger Sawyer Merritt, who shared a video of his ride to Frazier's Long and Low on X. Participants said the ride was smooth, but drivers warned that the system still quickly switches to human control at more complex intersections.
Conclusion: a date for history
The first miles of Tesla Robotaxi are an important symbolic step, but the key test will be expanding the service beyond the safe confines of Austin and into more challenging environments. The success of the pilot will determine both future regulatory pressure and the true justification for Tesla's astronomical valuation.
