Tesla secures permit key to offering full-scale robotaxi services in Austin

Tesla Inc. has secured a key state permit for its robotaxi operations in Texas, bringing the company a step closer to making the service more widely available in Austin.

According to a listing last week from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Tesla Robotaxi LLC is now licensed to operate a transportation network company — essentially, a ride-hailing business like Uber or Lyft. The license was issued last Wednesday and is valid for one year.

What the license fails to do, however, is officially classify Tesla’s robotaxis as autonomous. The company moved forward with its limited Austin launch ahead of new state regulations — taking effect Sept. 1 — that will require companies to obtain separate authorization to operate vehicles without a human driver. For now, each Tesla ride includes a safety moderator in the front passenger seat.

Tesla began offering limited robotaxi rides in Austin in late June using its Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving software. The service area recently expanded to 80 square miles but remains restricted to influencers and brand fans — many of whom monetize their content by promoting Tesla online.

Read more: https://www.statesman.com/business/technology/article/tesla-secures-permit-key-to-robotaxi-austin-20812291.php