Tesla seeking permits to offer ride-hail services at Silicon Valley airports - TechCrunch

Tesla seeking permits to offer ride-hail services at Silicon Valley airports - TechCrunch

Title: Tesla Seeks Permits for Ride-Hail Services at Silicon Valley Airports

San Francisco, CA — Tesla has initiated discussions with Silicon Valley's busiest airports to secure the necessary permits for its ride-hail services, marking a significant expansion of its autonomous vehicle ambitions in the region. The company has been quietly reaching out to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Jose Mineta International Airport, and Oakland International Airport to gain approval for pick-ups and drop-offs, according to newly obtained records .

Tesla's senior regulatory counsel, Casey Blaine, informed California regulators over the summer that the company was engaging with these airports to secure the required approvals. The airports, which are prime targets for robotaxi companies due to their high traffic and lucrative nature, have become a key arena for policy disputes and negotiations. Tesla's initiative follows a broader trend of autonomous vehicle companies vying for access to these strategic locations .

The outreach by Tesla comes as the company aims to grow its ride-hailing service in California, which has prioritized signing up customers over navigating the state's complex regulatory pathway for autonomous vehicles. The initiative launched in the Bay Area in July with limited permits, and Musk has been cautious about pursuing additional permits needed to achieve his vision of an entirely self-driving fleet .

San Francisco International Airport's public information officer, Doug Yakel, confirmed that Tesla had requested a permit for operations at SFO. Similarly, Julie Jarratt, a spokesperson for San Jose International Airport, stated that Tesla had inquired about obtaining a permit for its ride-hailing service, though no applications have been filed yet. Oakland airport spokesperson Kaley Skantz also noted that Tesla's team has been in contact with airport officials but no formal meetings have taken place .

The San Francisco Bay Area's airports have been a key battleground for Waymo, the leading player in the robotaxi industry, which has faced bitter clashes with organized labor. Waymo recently secured permission to operate at San Jose International Airport, and it has also made progress in San Francisco, despite a long-standing dispute with the powerful Teamsters Union .

Tesla's efforts to secure permits at these airports are part of a broader strategy to gather data and train its software for fully autonomous vehicles. The company's current ride-hailing service, branded as "Robotaxi," operates in a "gray area," with cars equipped with assistive features that require a human driver to stay alert. Musk has stated that he aims to phase out human drivers by the end of the year .

Despite the Robotaxi branding, Tesla has assured state regulators that it understands the need for additional permits to start any kind of autonomous ride-hailing operation. The company has been engaging with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to clarify its operations and ensure compliance with regulations .

The approval processes for ride-hail services at these airports vary. San Jose, for example, directs both conventional and autonomous ride-hail providers to request a new ground transportation permit and secure a business license from the City of San Jose. Oakland airport requires companies to apply for and receive a permit from its ground transportation department .

Tesla's expansion into the Bay Area ride-hail market is significant for investors and financial professionals, as it signals the company's commitment to growing its autonomous vehicle services. The company's ability to secure permits at key airports will be crucial for its long-term success in the robotaxi industry .

References
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/09/tesla-rides-san-francisco-san-jose-airports-00551469