Tesla widens its robotaxi service zone in Austin, hikes ride price to $6.90 per journey
In a significant development, Tesla's robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, has expanded its operational area, now covering a vast portion of the city. The expansion, announced by Elon Musk, aims to cover approximately 300 square miles by late July 2025, making it one of the largest operational autonomous taxi geofences in the U.S.
The service, which began on June 22, initially operated within a limited zone but has since grown rapidly. The new service area encompasses downtown Austin, the University of Texas, and areas north of downtown, effectively doubling the previous operational footprint. The expansion was playfully dubbed "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Musk, reflecting his penchant for humor.
The flat fare for Tesla's robotaxi service in Austin remains unchanged at $4.20 per ride during the pilot phase, with no announced changes yet. The service is still in its early stages, with a fleet of between 10-20 Model Y vehicles in operation. However, Tesla aims to exponentially increase the number of Robotaxi vehicles, especially as the service expands in major cities across states like Texas, California, Arizona, and Florida by the end of 2025.
Tesla's robotaxi vehicles in Austin are equipped with special FSD software and are shadowed by on-board "safety monitors" - Tesla staff ready to take control if needed. The robotaxi app has also been updated to provide walking directions to the pickup and final destination, and to allow riders to edit their destination after booking.
Looking ahead, Tesla plans to expand its robotaxi service to the Bay Area within the next 2-3 months, pending regulatory approval. The certification process for Tesla's autonomous vehicle operations in Arizona is also anticipated by the end of the month.
As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of autonomous technology, its Austin robotaxi service serves as a testament to its commitment to innovation and growth. The company's ambitious expansion plans are set to reshape the autonomous taxi landscape, offering affordable and convenient transportation solutions to a wider audience.
Tesla's expansion of its robotaxi service in Austin, which covers a vast portion of the city, is a testament to the company's commitment to advanced technology and innovation. With the service aiming to increase the number of Robotaxi vehicles, especially as it expands in major cities, Tesla is poised to significantly impact the autonomous taxi industry.
