Tesla Robotaxi Network Launches in Austin — Here's What It's Like to Ride

Tesla has officially launched its long-awaited Robotaxi network in Austin, Texas. The fleet consists of 500 purpose-built Cybercabs — two-seater vehicles with no steering wheel, no pedals, and a fixed flat-rate of $0.30 per mile.

After five rides across downtown, the highway, and a midnight airport run, we can confirm: this works. No safety driver. No takeover requests. Just smooth, attentive driving that often felt more cautious than a human.

Uber stock dropped 14% on the news. Waymo is already operating in Phoenix and SF, but Tesla's price point — roughly one-third of a typical Uber — changes the economic equation entirely.

Regulators are watching closely. Tesla says national expansion will follow over the next 18 months pending state approvals.