Tesla obtains Texas approval for its driverless Robotaxi service. Launch rides priced at $4.20 include onboard safety staff and remote monitoring for security.
© E. Vartanyan
Tesla has officially secured a license in Texas to operate a ride-sharing service, marking a pivotal step toward the commercial debut of its driverless Robotaxi program. The authorization, granted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), permits the vehicles to operate without a driver behind the wheel.
When the service launches, a trip in a Tesla Robotaxi will cost $4.20. Although the cars will drive themselves, a Tesla employee will occupy the front passenger seat as a safety monitor, while the vehicle’s performance will be further overseen remotely from an operations center.
Elon Musk had previously indicated that by the end of 2025, Tesla could offer automated taxi services to half of the U.S. population. This initiative is seen within the company as a critical milestone toward building a vast, fully autonomous transport network, though the timeline now appears slightly delayed.
Early pilot runs have demonstrated reliable self-driving performance and generated strong interest from users. Over the coming years, Tesla intends to expand the service’s reach, progressively reducing human involvement in operations while increasing the level of autonomy.