Tesla started its robotaxi service on a small scale across Austin, Texas. The company sent out special invites to early users over recent days. Only certain blocked-off areas of the city can use this new service. Tesla runs between 10 and 20 cars that people can call through a special phone app. The service works from 6 AM until midnight every day.
Each robotaxi carries a Tesla worker who sits up front as a safety backup. This person can hit emergency stop buttons or make the car pull over if something goes wrong. Government safety officials are still checking Tesla's answers about how safe these cars really are. Texas just passed new rules that need permits for self-driving cars starting September first.
The new Texas law only allows...