Tesla, Waymo Expand Robotaxi Efforts in Texas

Tesla is set to launch a limited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, in June using existing Model Y vehicles on pre-approved routes, marking a significant step amid regulatory and public safety scrutiny. At the same time, Waymo is expanding its autonomous vehicle testing to Houston, San Antonio, and other Texas cities, though its vehicles are not yet available for passenger rides outside Austin. Waymo's approach includes initial manual driving and supervised autonomous testing to adapt to local conditions, similar to its practice in San Francisco and Phoenix, where it reports reductions in crash injuries. Both companies face regulatory hurdles, including coordinating with local authorities and emergency services. Recent safety recalls for Waymo's fleet underscore ongoing challenges in the sector. The rapid roll-out of these pilot programs marks a pivotal moment for urban mobility in Texas, even as widespread adoption remains some distance away.