Elon Musk launches new 'Robotaxi' service in Austin
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Elon Musk posted to his Twitter on Sunday that his new autonomous vehicle service launched in Austin Sunday afternoon.
Musk wrote that customers could order a Tesla Robotaxi for a flat rate of $4.20. The service was only made available to those who received an early access invitation.
“As an Early Access rider, you can be among the first to use our new Robotaxi App and experience an autonomous ride within our geofenced area in Austin,” read the invitation posted on X. “Through this exclusive preview, you’ll have the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on our Robotaxi service.”
The program begins days after a group of Texas lawmakers sent a letter to Tesla, urging the company to delay the launch until a new law that increases autonomous vehicle regulation takes effect on September 1. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed that legislation into law on Friday.
“Under the new framework, commercial autonomous vehicle operators transporting passengers or property must receive prior authorization from the Department of Motor Vehicles before operating on public streets without a human driver,” the letter read.
To get authorization, an operator must show that each vehicle is:
- Capable of operating in compliance with state traffic laws
- Equipped with a recording device
- Compliant with federal law, including federal motor vehicle safety standards
- Capable of achieving a minimal risk condition if the automated driving system is rendered inoperable
- Registered, titled, and insured under Texas law
Along with those requirements, operators have to submit a First Responder Interaction Plan to the Department of Public Safety to explain the following:
- How first responders interact with the autonomous vehicles
- How to communicate with fleet support and safely remove or tow vehicles from the roadway
- Any additional information regarding hazardous conditions or public safety risks associated with the vehicles
