- Tesla launches limited robotaxi service in Austin using driverless Model Y SUVs and FSD software.
- Rides cost $4.20, with safety monitors in the front passenger seat but unclear intervention roles.
- Fleet operates daily in South Austin; camera-only system raises safety and transparency concerns.
- Tesla limits public info access while encouraging rider content, despite strict usage rules.
Tesla has officially launched its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, marking a significant moment for the company and its ambitious CEO, Elon Musk. After years of bold predictions, delays, and changing timelines, Tesla is now offering driverless rides in modified 2025 Model Y SUVs.
This rollout represents a real-world test of Musk’s controversial vision for autonomous vehicles that rely entirely on cameras and artificial intelligence, with no use of lidar or detailed maps like those employed by rivals such as Waymo.
Over the weekend, social media was flooded with videos and photos from early-access users in Austin, confirming that Tesla’s robotaxis are now operating on public roads. Rides are currently priced at a flat rate of $4.20, a number that many see as a wink to Musk’s online persona and sense of humor.
A Controlled Launch in South Austin
Tesla began sending early invitations to a handpicked group of users last week. These customers were given access to a new robotaxi app, which allowed them to begin requesting rides as of Sunday morning. Many of the first users appear to be enthusiastic Tesla supporters active on Musk’s social media platform, X.
According to information available on Tesla’s newly published robotaxi page, the service is currently operating in a limited area of South Austin. It is available every day from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, although Tesla notes that service may be suspended in the event of bad weather. At launch, the fleet consists of about ten vehicles, all 2025 Model Ys equipped with a new version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software.
Interestingly, Tesla is not using its futuristic “Cybercab” vehicles that were unveiled in October 2024. Instead, the company is relying on more familiar Model Y SUVs, though these have been fitted with the latest autonomous driving technology described by Musk as “unsupervised.”
Each ride is being accompanied by a Tesla employee seated in the front passenger seat, identified as a “safety monitor.” Tesla has not clearly defined the role of these monitors, including whether they have the ability to override the system in an emergency.
However, it is believed they may have access to some kind of kill switch that can stop the vehicle if needed. This setup is slightly different from industry norms, where human safety drivers typically sit in the driver’s seat during test phases, not commercial operations.
On the Ground in Austin
Ed Niedermeyer, author of Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors, traveled to Austin to observe the rollout firsthand. He located what appears to be Tesla’s robotaxi depot, a quiet parking area near Oltorf Street in South Austin.
The day before the service went live, he observed multiple Tesla vehicles entering and leaving the site. Many were marked with manufacturer plates, and several appeared to be robotaxi units with Tesla branding.
On the morning of the launch, Niedermeyer saw the robotaxis begin to leave the depot with Tesla employees seated in the front passenger seat. One vehicle, which had not yet picked up a passenger, was seen unexpectedly braking twice in traffic.
Both incidents happened as the vehicle passed near parked police cars. While the exact reason for the sudden braking is unclear, the events were captured on video and later shared online.
Gaps in Transparency
While Tesla has publicly celebrated the robotaxi launch, the company has shared very little technical detail about how the system works or how it handles complex driving scenarios. Most of the available information has come from enthusiastic Tesla supporters and social media posts by Elon Musk himself.
Tesla has also attempted to limit outside access to operational details. The company filed legal objections to prevent the release of public records related to the robotaxi program.
It also objected to a similar records request from Reuters. In an official letter, Tesla’s legal team argued that the requested documents contained confidential business information and trade secrets.
Limited Use of In-Cabin Cameras
According to Tesla’s robotaxi guidelines, the in-cabin camera will not be active during rides unless a rider requests assistance or there is an emergency situation.
After a ride is complete, the camera may be used to verify that the vehicle is ready for the next passenger. This decision could raise concerns about accountability, particularly in the event of an incident inside the vehicle.
Tesla is encouraging early riders to record and share their experiences, including photos and videos. However, the company also warns that access to the service can be revoked if users violate its rules.
These include prohibitions against smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, or committing crimes while inside the robotaxi. Riders are also instructed not to post content that shows any misuse or violation of Tesla’s terms.
The First Steps of a New Era
Elon Musk and other Tesla executives have hailed the launch as a major milestone. Ashok Elluswamy, the head of Tesla’s self-driving team, posted a photo from what he called the robotaxi launch party, held at an undisclosed location.
Musk followed up with a congratulatory message to his AI and chip design teams, calling the launch the result of ten years of hard work.
Still, not everything went smoothly on day one. At least one rider shared that Tesla’s remote support team had to intervene during their trip, although details remain vague and Tesla has not responded publicly to the report.
This launch is the most significant test to date of Tesla’s controversial approach to autonomy.
It arrives at a time when other players in the industry, such as Waymo and the now-paused Cruise service, are taking more cautious, data-driven approaches to public deployment. While the Austin rollout is starting small, it could have wide-ranging implications for the future of driverless transportation.
For now, Tesla’s robotaxi fleet will continue operating under close observation from regulators, the public, and its critics.
The road ahead will be shaped not just by Tesla’s technology, but also by how the company navigates the difficult balance between innovation, safety, and transparency.
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