Tesla Opens Robotaxi App to Public Riders, Scaling Autonomous Service

Tesla has opened its robotaxi app to the general public, allowing users to download the app and join the waitlist. The public launch is in line with CEO Elon Musk's prediction that the app would be available in September. The app is currently available in Austin, Texas, and it's not clear if users will be able to access the service in other locations, such as the Bay Area.

Tesla Inc. has announced the public launch of its robotaxi app, making it available to all users. The app, initially available to investors and social media influencers, is now accessible to the general public, in line with CEO Elon Musk's prediction of a September release. Users can download the app from the Apple App Store to join the waitlist.

The service, currently operational in Austin, Texas, has been expanded from a select group of early access users to a broader audience. Tesla launched the robotaxi service in Austin in June, using approximately 10 to 20 Model Y SUVs. The company has since expanded its service area in Austin for the third time, increasing it from about 90 square miles to 170 square miles. This expansion includes new territories such as the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Tesla's Gigafactory Texas, as well as several freeways [2].

The expansion into the Bay Area has also been noted, where Tesla offers a non-autonomous rideshare service under the same name. However, it is not immediately clear if users will be able to access the service in both Austin and the Bay Area, as the terms of service in the app lay out particular terms for California users [1].

Tesla has adjusted its safety monitor strategy in Austin to accommodate the expansion. Initially, safety monitors were seated in the passenger seat, but with the inclusion of freeway travel, they have now been moved to the driver's seat. This change is similar to the safety monitor positioning in the Bay Area Robotaxi program, where the driver is seated in the driver's seat without a logo on the car [2].

The public launch of the robotaxi app marks a significant step forward for Tesla in its autonomous vehicle and AI initiatives. Musk has indicated that the company's value will be significantly influenced by projects like Optimus, which has the potential to generate long-term revenue and contribute to a substantial portion of Tesla's valuation [3].

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-04/tesla-says-its-robotaxi-app-now-open-to-public-riders
[2] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-adjusts-robotaxi-safety-monitor-strategy-austin-new-service-area/
[3] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-adjusts-robotaxi-safety-monitor-strategy-austin-new-service-area/