the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Austin Tx , the wait might finally be over. Tesla is reportedly preparing to launch its long-anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, Texas on June 12, marking a major leap in the company’s autonomous vehicle ambitions.
While the date hasn’t been officially confirmed and may still shift, insiders say Tesla is getting closer than ever to introducing its driverless ride-hailing service to the public.
Tesla’s First Driverless Test on Austin Roads
Earlier this week, Tesla tested a fully autonomous Model Y on public streets in Austin — with no one in the driver’s seat for the very first time. A Tesla engineer reportedly rode as a passenger while the vehicle navigated independently.
CEO Elon Musk later confirmed the tests, adding that there were no incidents reported during the autonomous runs on city streets.
The Robotaxi Rollout Plan
According to Musk, Tesla will:
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Launch a fleet of 10 self-driving robotaxis in Austin as a pilot.
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Expand to 1,000 autonomous vehicles within just a few months.
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Eventually transition to the Cybercab, a purpose-built robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedals.
Tesla showcased the Cybercab prototype at a flashy California event last year, offering rides on private land. That event helped sidestep public road regulations, but the real-world rollout in Austin marks a crucial milestone.
Why Austin?
Austin is the perfect launchpad for Tesla’s robotaxi service due to:
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Lax autonomous vehicle laws in Texas
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The city’s growing reputation as an AV testing hub
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Minimal local regulation (though the city has formed a task force to work with AV companies like Tesla and Waymo)
Though Tesla is not yet listed as a rideshare provider by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, its presence in Austin continues to grow, especially in the south and southeast areas where Tesla vehicles are regularly seen testing.
A Big Move for Tesla’s Future
Musk has repeatedly said that robotaxis will be central to Tesla’s long-term business model, pushing the company deeper into AI and mobility services. The upcoming rollout represents more than just a transportation shift — it’s a tech milestone that could reshape urban commuting.
And investors are watching. Tesla shares jumped 3% in premarket trading following news of the test drives, though the stock is still down 12% year-to-date.
What’s Next?
If all goes as planned, Tesla could launch its robotaxi service on June 12, making Austin the first city in the world with public Tesla robotaxi availability.
But will the roads — and regulators — be ready? Stay tuned.
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