Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
4d ago

Tesla Launches Austin Robotaxi Service as NHTSA Opens Safety Inquiry

Lawmakers are pushing for tighter oversight before Texas’s new autonomous vehicle rules take effect this fall.

Image
'Downright Unsafe': Austin Man Takes a Tesla Robotaxi Ride. Here's What To Know Before Hailing One Yourself: Tesla Model Y, Autonomous Vehicles
Tesla's Robotaxi service is live, but not everything is running smoothly.
A vehicle Tesla is using for robotaxi testing purposes on Oltorf Street in Austin

Overview

  • Tesla began operating 10 to 20 Model Y robotaxis in Austin on June 22, each with a human safety monitor ready to intervene.
  • Online videos show robotaxis veering into oncoming traffic and executing sudden phantom stops, fueling reliability and public safety concerns.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed it is reviewing incident reports and has requested additional data from Tesla.
  • Texas legislators formally asked Tesla to postpone its launch until Senate Bill 2807’s safety guardrails and permit requirements take effect on September 1.
  • Waymo, Zoox and AV Ride already run autonomous fleets in Austin under existing state regulations, underscoring growing competition in robotaxi services.