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Tesla Debuts Limited Robotaxi Service in Austin on June 22

The invitation-only robotaxi service relies on geofenced Model Ys supervised by front-seat monitors to validate Tesla’s Full Self-Driving capabilities under strict safety protocols.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: In an aerial view, Waymo cars are seen parked at a Waymo facility on June 10, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Robo-taxi company Waymo has limited service in San Francisco after several Waymo cars were set on fire and destroyed during the anti-immigration protests in Los Angeles over the past week. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Overview

  • About ten Model Y vehicles will operate within a predefined Austin zone and are accessible only via special invitations starting June 22.
  • Each ride will include a Tesla employee as a front-seat safety monitor and remote operators standing by to take control in emergencies.
  • Service hours run from 6 a.m. to midnight and the fleet will avoid complex intersections and suspend operations in bad weather.
  • A coalition of Texas lawmakers and safety advocates has urged Tesla to postpone the launch until new autonomous vehicle rules take effect on September 1.
  • Wedbush analyst Dan Ives projects the trial could double Tesla’s market capitalization by end of 2026, highlighting competitive pressure from incumbents like Waymo.