Tesla's Robotaxi service set for public launch next month, according to Musk's declaration

Tesla's Robotaxi Service Expands to Austin, Texas

Tesla's driverless ride-hailing service, known as Robotaxi, is set to open for public use in Austin, Texas, as early as September 2025. This marks a significant expansion for Tesla’s autonomous ride-hailing service in the United States.

Currently, Tesla has been running a limited, invite-only Robotaxi service in Austin with safety drivers. However, with the recent permit acquisition allowing Tesla to legally operate statewide in Texas, the transition to open access will enable everyday users to download the Tesla Robotaxi app and use the service directly within a defined service area.

The permit from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) allows Tesla to operate robotaxis with or without human safety drivers until August 2026. However, full autonomous designation still requires approval from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Riz Akhtar, the founder of carloop and a mechanical engineer with a passion for EVs, is based in Melbourne and specializes in Australian EV data, insight reports, and trends. Akhtar currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.

Meanwhile, Waymo operates a 24/7 self-driving ride-hailing service in Phoenix, Arizona, with a service area of around 800 square kilometres. The rollout of the Robotaxi service is expected to push competition in the US and potentially influence the feedback of the general public towards self-driving ride-hailing services.

Tesla's internal goal is to have the Robotaxi service available to half of the US's population by the end of 2025. Achieving this goal would require thousands of Robotaxis across multiple states in the US.

Reports from last month showed that Tesla was making progress in Arizona, with the state's Department of Transportation confirming that Tesla's Robotaxi approvals were in the works. Tesla's Robotaxi team is considering operating in other markets, with the international expansion of the Robotaxi service expected in 2026. The initial cost of each Robotaxi trip in Austin is $US4.20.

With the arrival of Tesla's Robotaxi service, existing ride-hailing services, such as Waymo, are expanding their operations due to the launch of Tesla's autonomous ride-hailing service. Tesla's Robotaxi service will soon be in direct competition with other operators in the market.

In summary:

Open access launch: Expected in September 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Current status: Invite-only early access with safety drivers.
Permit: Tesla Robotaxi LLC has a statewide ride-hailing permit valid until August 2026.
App use: When open access begins, the service will be available via the Tesla Robotaxi app with a Tesla account.
Regulatory note: Full autonomous operations (without human oversight) need final DMV approval.

This marks a significant expansion for Tesla’s autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin, putting it in competition with other services like Waymo.

Tesla's Robotaxi service set for public launch next month, according to Musk's declaration