TESLA ROLLS OUT DRIVERLESS MODEL Y ROBOTAXIS IN AUSTIN

Tesla has launched a driverless taxi service in Austin, Texas, using a small fleet of Model Y vehicles equipped with unsupervised Full SelfDriving software.

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The service, available to a select group of invited riders, operates in a limited area of South Austin, covering neighborhoods like South Congress and South Lamar. Each vehicle carries a Tesla employee in the passenger seat as a safety monitor, though no steering wheel or pedals are available for manual control. Riders book trips through a dedicated Robotaxi app, paying a flat fee for the experience.

The rollout marks Tesla’s first foray into paid autonomous rides, a long-promised goal for CEO Elon Musk. Unlike the futuristic Cybercab, a purpose-built robotaxi still in development, these Model Ys are standard models upgraded with new software to drive without human intervention. The service avoids bad weather and complex intersections, sticking to carefully mapped routes to ensure safety. The limited scope reflects Tesla’s cautious approach, starting small to test its technology in real-world conditions.

Public response has been mixed. Some riders, including investors and enthusiasts, have shared excitement about the smooth rides, with vehicles navigating traffic and pedestrians confidently. Others, including local officials, express concern about safety and readiness, pointing to Tesla’s history of ambitious promises and technical hiccups. The launch is a high-stakes test for Tesla, as its massive stock valuation hinges on proving its autonomous tech can compete in a growing market.

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