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Tesla Doubles Austin Robotaxi Zone with Phallic-Shaped Geofence

The update underscores Tesla’s focus on scaling its camera-only robotaxis under human oversight as it seeks regulatory approval for expansion.

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Elon Musk gestures to his eye during a news conference with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 30, 2025. Musk, who stormed into US politics as President Trump's chainsaw-brandishing sidekick, announced on May 28 that he is leaving his role in US government, intended to reduce federal spending, shortly after his first major break with the President over Trump's signature spending bill. (Photo by Allison ROBBERT / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Tesla’s July 14 expansion doubled its geofenced service area in Austin into a phallic outline that now exceeds Waymo’s coverage by about 3.9 square miles.
  • The invite-only pilot remains capped at preapproved users, charges a flat $4.20 fare and requires a front-seat safety operator with a kill switch alongside remote supervision.
  • Regulators including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Texas legislators continue to probe erratic driving incidents and assess the camera-only autonomy system.
  • The latest app update adds walking directions to pickup points, improved trip editing tools and expanded invitation access through Tesla’s ride-hailing app.
  • Tesla plans to file for permits to launch its robotaxi service in the San Francisco Bay Area and Arizona within the next two months, pending approvals.