Tesla Quietly Launches Robotaxi Service in Austin Using Driverless Model Y SUVs

Key Takeaways:

• Tesla has launched driverless robotaxi rides in Austin using Model Y SUVs with FSD software.
• The service features a safety monitor in the front passenger seat, with key details about control and intervention still unclear.
• Tesla’s limited rollout is the first commercial test of its vision for AI-only autonomous vehicles, contrasting with Waymo’s sensor-heavy approach.

Tesla has officially begun offering driverless robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas, marking a key milestone in Elon Musk’s long-promised autonomous vehicle ambitions.

The rollout features 2025 Model Y SUVs running Tesla’s latest “unsupervised” version of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software—without a human behind the wheel. The initial service operates daily from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. with a flat fare of $4.20 per ride, and represents the first commercial test of Tesla’s belief that end-to-end AI and cameras alone can deliver safe autonomy—unlike Waymo’s lidar-heavy approach.

First Robotaxi Rides: Early Access and Limited Fleet

Tesla began inviting vetted customers last week to download a new robotaxi app and participate in early-access rides. The starting fleet comprises about 10 Model Y SUVs running within a limited zone in South Austin.

Videos on social media confirmed rides began on Sunday. Observers also noted a nearby robotaxi depot where vehicles, still monitored by a Tesla employee in the front passenger seat, were staged before pickups.

Notably, the robotaxis are not Tesla’s much-hyped “Cybercab” models unveiled in 2024, but rather modified Model Ys running updated FSD software. The in-cabin camera is disabled by default and only activated during emergencies or between trips to verify readiness.

Safety Monitors Onboard, Unclear Intervention Role

While Tesla bills the rides as driverless, a Tesla employee sits in the right front passenger seat as a “safety monitor.” It remains unclear if these monitors can intervene or halt the vehicle if necessary. Historically, companies like Waymo used a safety driver behind the wheel during testing—not during public commercial operations.

Videos captured by TechCrunch and others showed one robotaxi braking unexpectedly while passing parked police cars. The reason for this behavior remains unclear, though no incidents were reported during rides.

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Tesla’s Secrecy and Limited Public Details

Tesla has been tight-lipped about the robotaxi rollout, resisting public records requests from TechCrunch and Reuters related to regulatory filings with Texas officials. The official robotaxi webpage includes only basic ride info, a download link for the app, and general rider rules, lacking the operational transparency provided by competitors like Waymo.

Riders are encouraged to film their experience but face suspension if they post videos violating Tesla’s robotaxi usage rules—such as depicting misuse or unsafe behavior.

Conclusion: First Step in a Bigger Robotaxi Vision

Tesla’s limited Austin robotaxi launch is a crucial first test of Musk’s vision for scalable, driverless urban transport built on Tesla’s proprietary AI stack.

While early rides appear promising, questions remain about safety protocols, rider experience, scalability, and how Tesla will handle edge-case scenarios. Unlike competitors who spent years on public pilot programs, Tesla is trying to move straight into commercial service—a bold and risky strategy.

For now, Tesla enthusiasts are celebrating the milestone—but the real test will be how the robotaxi service evolves over time and whether regulators and the broader public embrace it.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses