Tesla has begun broadening access to its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, moving beyond the small group of initial testers who began using the platform in late June. The expansion marks the next phase of the company’s effort to gather more consistent data from local users as it moves closer to commercializing its driverless ride-hailing platform.
The Robotaxi service, which began its first rides on June 22, is now being offered to more Austin-area residents. Tesla is reaching out to those who previously submitted interest forms via the Robotaxi section of its website, with additional invitations being issued as part of the Early Access Program.
I just got a @robotaxi invite! Super excited to go try the service out! pic.twitter.com/n9mN35KKFU
— Ethan McKanna (@ethanmckanna) July 1, 2025
Tesla’s initial group of test riders included many non-local participants, some of whom traveled to Austin specifically to experience the service. As those users returned home, the company is now targeting a more stable group of local riders to generate consistent data.
According to Tesla, the data collected from these rides will help further refine the autonomous platform and support a gradual expansion of availability. As the Robotaxi system continues to perform successfully, the company aims to reduce reliance on onboard Safety Monitors and Supervisors.
CEO Elon Musk previously stated that Tesla could begin increasing the Robotaxi-to-monitor ratio in the coming months as confidence in the system grows.