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Zoox Opens Invite-Only Free Robotaxi Rides in San Francisco

Charging riders still hinges on CPUC approval along with a broader federal exemption.

Overview

  • Select waitlist members in the Zoox Explorers program can now hail free rides, with access expanding gradually to gather rider feedback.
  • Service is limited to parts of SoMa, the Mission, and the Design District, offering point-to-point pickups and drop-offs within the zone.
  • Rides are free under an NHTSA research exemption for Zoox’s purpose-built vehicles that lack a steering wheel and pedals.
  • Zoox operates about 50 robotaxis across San Francisco and Las Vegas, and it is preparing to scale production at its Hayward facility to meet future demand.
  • The San Francisco rollout puts Zoox in direct competition with Waymo, which already runs paid robotaxi service across the Bay Area and other U.S. cities.