Tesla to Launch Robotaxi Service to Public in Austin in September.

Tesla is planning to launch its robotaxi service in Austin to the general public in September, following an invite-only phase that started in June. The service will allow users to hail and ride a Tesla vehicle without a human driver.

Tesla has made significant strides in its autonomous vehicle ambitions, with the recent grant of a rideshare license in Texas paving the way for the public launch of its Robotaxi service in Austin. The company's push towards commercializing autonomous vehicles is poised to disrupt the traditional rideshare market, positioning Tesla alongside established competitors like Uber, Lyft, and Waymo.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has officially listed Tesla Robotaxi LLC as a transportation network company (TNC) licensee, marking a formal entry into the state's regulatory framework for rideshare services. This move is particularly timely, as a new state law in Texas, effective September 1st, 2025, mandates compliance with new regulatory requirements for autonomous rideshare operators. Tesla's proactive approach ensures it meets these new standards, including operating in compliance with state traffic laws, equipping vehicles with recording devices, and adhering to federal motor vehicle safety standards [1].

Tesla's Robotaxi service has undergone numerous updates and expansions since its initial launch in June. The service area has been expanded three times, with the latest addition including Austin. The Robotaxi app has also been updated with features such as destination editing, smarter pickups, and dynamic pricing. These enhancements reflect Tesla's commitment to improving the service and preparing for a wider public release [1].

Elon Musk has announced that Tesla will open the Robotaxi Network to the public in September, coinciding with the broader service area expansion and the introduction of the Robotaxi app to the App Store. The app, currently limited to invited guests through Apple’s TestFlight app and only available for iPhones, will soon be accessible to all users. This move signals a significant milestone in Tesla's autonomous vehicle initiative, marking the first time the public can hail and ride in a Tesla vehicle without a human driver [1].

The public launch of Tesla's Robotaxi service in Austin is expected to coincide with a larger service area expansion, potentially up to 10 times the current coverage. This expansion, coupled with the app's wider availability, is poised to significantly increase the accessibility and reach of Tesla's autonomous vehicle service. The company's focus on improving the service and meeting regulatory requirements underscores its commitment to a successful and sustainable launch [1].

References:
[1] https://www.notateslaapp.com/news/3009/tesla-granted-texas-rideshare-license-will-open-robotaxi-to-the-public-next-month