Tesla starts its robotic taxi service in Austin this Sunday afternoon. Elon Musk shared the news on social media and said customers will pay a flat $4.20 fee. The company boss had mentioned Sunday as a possible start date earlier this month. He warned that Tesla was being extra careful about safety and the date might change. The electric car company has kept most details about the taxi service secret since announcing it last year.
People who want to use the robot taxis must download a special app first. They log into the app with their Tesla account and it works like other ride apps. Tesla will use 2025 Model Y cars for the taxi fleet at first. Passengers cannot sit in the front left seat where drivers usually sit. Kids are not allowed to ride and disabled people can bring service animals.
Tesla warns that riders might not always reach their planned destinations. The company says trips could have problems or discomfort. Tesla can change or cancel rides for reasons like bad weather. The company also says it will not pay for certain types of damages from using the robot taxis. Reports say fewer than twelve cars will be available to the public when the service starts.
Some Texas lawmakers want Tesla to wait before starting the service. They wrote a letter asking the company to delay until September. Texas Senator Sarah Eckhardt says the state needs new safety laws in place first. She believes public trust comes from safety and being open about operations.
People who want to use the robot taxis must download a special app first. They log into the app with their Tesla account and it works like other ride apps. Tesla will use 2025 Model Y cars for the taxi fleet at first. Passengers cannot sit in the front left seat where drivers usually sit. Kids are not allowed to ride and disabled people can bring service animals.
Tesla warns that riders might not always reach their planned destinations. The company says trips could have problems or discomfort. Tesla can change or cancel rides for reasons like bad weather. The company also says it will not pay for certain types of damages from using the robot taxis. Reports say fewer than twelve cars will be available to the public when the service starts.
Some Texas lawmakers want Tesla to wait before starting the service. They wrote a letter asking the company to delay until September. Texas Senator Sarah Eckhardt says the state needs new safety laws in place first. She believes public trust comes from safety and being open about operations.
