Tesla launches Robotaxi service in Bay Area with drivers, as questions surround AV permitting
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Elon Musk confirmed early Thursday that Tesla is moving forward with its Robotaxi service in the Bay Area.
Though Tesla has referred to these as robotaxis, a driver will sit behind the wheel while using the self-driving software. Riders will hail a car through Tesla's Robotaxi app, but the service is currently invite-only.
It comes less than a week after the state told the company it lacks the proper permits to operate and charge for autonomous rides.
Musk reshared a post on X from the Tesla AI account saying that invites for Bay Area ride-hailing services are out.
Musk said that the service is now happening in the Bay Area and Austin.
The map pictured in the post shows that in the Bay Area, the ride-hailing service is running from San Francisco to San Jose.
RELATED: Tesla's Bay Area Robotaxi launch: California regulators say company has no AV permit
Questions still surround when Tesla will get permitting to operate without a driver.
Experts told ABC7 News the permitting process in California is very involved, and Tesla is going to have to clear hurdles before it can operate robotaxis without a safety driver.
"What they're testing ultimately is, can they demonstrate a better safety record than human driving? That's that's really what's key," said Professor Scott Moura, acting director of Berkeley's Institute of Transportation Studies.
When news first broke late last week by Business Insider, the California Public Utilities Commission said Tesla is not allowed to test or transport the public, paid or unpaid, in an autonomous vehicle, even with a driver.
They are only allowed to transport people in a traditional vehicle that's non-autonomous and requires a driver.
ABC7 News has reached out to the CPUC and DMV to see if there has been any update on whether Tesla has new permits and are waiting to hear back.
