Tesla has made its Robotaxi app available for anyone on iOS to download, opening public waitlists as the company expands beyond an invite-only pilot. Service is still limited and comes with guardrails, but this is the broadest consumer step yet in Tesla’s ride-hailing push.
Where you can ride
Tesla says Robotaxi rides are operating in limited areas of Austin right now. The app also lets the public join a waitlist for Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area, with access rolling out over time. Android support is planned.
How the app works
Download the Robotaxi app, sign in with a Tesla Account, set a destination inside the service map, then confirm an estimated fare and pickup ETA. After the car arrives, verify the plate, buckle up, and tap Start in the app. You can adjust climate and seat position, control media, track trip progress, request support, or ask the vehicle to pull over if needed.
Pricing
Tesla describes introductory flat-rate pricing for rides within the Austin service area, plus tax. The company notes pricing may change.
Safety drivers and regulations
Access continues to involve safety personnel. In Austin, Tesla says safety monitors are in the driver’s seat for highway trips as a cautious first step.
CEO Elon Musk has predicted the removal of safety drivers by year-end, which would face regulatory hurdles in California where driverless permits require strict testing and reporting.
Texas also enacted a law on September 1 that requires a safety driver unless a service qualifies as Level 4 or 5 autonomy. Tesla’s current system is considered Level 2.
First availability on iPhone
Anyone with an iPhone can now download the app and join the waitlist. Early reports suggest some users have moved from waitlist to rides within hours, though immediate booking is not guaranteed. Android is coming later.
What to watch next
Key milestones include broader Austin coverage, potential Bay Area expansion with regulators onboard, and any shift from safety drivers to full driverless operations. Competitors like Waymo already operate autonomous services across multiple cities, which frames the bar Tesla must clear on performance and compliance.
