Robotaxi Has Arrived: Tesla's Robotaxi Launch
- Elena Cormio
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 8
On June 22, 2025, Tesla launched its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, marking a historical moment and a monumental step toward autonomous transportation.
The early access program was invite-based, and included key influencers, investors, and supporters to test the service, which operated with a fleet of 10–20 Model Y SUVs in a geofenced area of South Austin. Rides were booked via a dedicated Robotaxi app, available initially only on Apple devices via TestFlight, with a flat fee of $4.20 per ride.
Each vehicle included a Tesla employee as a safety monitor. The safety monitors sat in the passenger seat, with no access to pedals or steering wheel. Remote teleoperations supported the fleet, monitoring rides, collecting real-time data on every drive and providing in-vehicle support to the passengers at the touch of a button if needed.
The program has since been extended, with additional riders invited from the general public that expressed interest in Robotaxi on Tesla's dedicated Robotaxi page.
This report compiles firsthand accounts shared on X by the riders, analyzing ride quality, vehicle performance, app functionality, and safety measures, with direct citations to their publicly available posts from June 22 to June 23, 2025.
The launch, while limited in scope, generated massive enthusiasm, offering insights into Tesla’s progress towards full scale autonomous driving.
Common Themes and Observations
Ride Performance: Riders consistently reported smooth, human-like driving, with many riders comparing it favorably to human drivers and Waymo. Minor issues, like rerouting or interventions, were rare and often resolved quickly.
Check out their feedback first hand:
App Functionality: The app was praised for its intuitive interface, short wait times, and features like pulsing lights and adjustable pickups. Suggestions for improvement, like manual starting points, were minimal, with several of the feedback items having already been resolved by the Robotaxi team (such as adjusting the pickup location) - a testament to the pace of innovation and quick response to users' feedback and the data collected as part of the pilot.
Handling of Challenging Situations: Here too riders commented on Robotaxi's ability to comfortably handle potential challenges such as thunderstorms, direct sunlight, construction zones, etc.
Safety Measures: Safety monitors and restrictions on weather and routes underscored Tesla’s cautious approach and emphasis on safety. The intervention reported by @edgecase411 was an exception, highlighting ongoing refinement needs.
The "Accident" - Mainstream media loves their exaggerated headlines. Here is the actual first hand account of "the first accident involving a Robotaxi", also portrayed as "Tesla Robotaxi Crash":
A fantastic mic-dropping reply here - worth keeping in mind.
Historical Significance: Riders viewed the launch as a transformative milestone, fostering excitement about Tesla’s autonomous future.
The Tesla Robotaxi launch in Austin was a historic step forward, with invited riders praising its smooth ride quality, user-friendly app, and transformative potential. Despite minor issues and regulatory scrutiny, the enthusiasm from riders highlights Tesla’s progress in autonomous driving. As the company refines its technology and navigates challenges, the Robotaxi program is bound to reshape transportation, offering a glimpse into a game-changing, exciting and safe driverless future!
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Elena Cormio
Founder, COO
405-283-6310
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