Image: @TeslaPodcast on X
Tesla’s long-anticipated Robotaxi service has officially entered the streets of Austin, Texas, and early feedback suggests it’s already exceeding expectations. In a captivating video shared by @TeslaPodcast on X, we get a front-row seat to a full 10‑mile journey in a Tesla Model Y operating autonomously — no one behind the wheel — across the geofenced service area in South Austin.
The result? A smooth and seemingly seamless ride that mirrors much of Tesla’s visionary promise of AI-powered mobility. Take a look:
From the moment the trip begins, the vehicle labours through local neighbourhood streets with near-human finesse: navigating turns, adjusting speed, and reacting to slower traffic and stop signs appropriately. What stands out is the confidence the vehicle exudes — Tesla’s camera‑based Full Self‑Driving software, coupled with their latest neural‑net models, appears to keep pace with real-world driving challenges.
Tesla reportedly only rolled out 10–20 Model Ys to pilot the program on Day 1 within the friendly confines of South Austin, operating from 6 a.m. to midnight daily. A Tesla Safety Monitor rides shotgun for every trip, adding an extra layer of oversight, and teleoperators are available almost immediately through live support.
The ride showcases Tesla’s “true vision” approach to autonomous driving — operating fully without lidars or radars, relying solely on cameras. In the clip, the Robotaxi handles everything from right‑turn waits and lane transitions to curbside stops at the destination, with no hard braking or jerky maneuvers. It’s a promising glimpse of autonomy in action.
For now, this video offers believers a dose of optimism. It’s one thing to speak about a driver‑free future; it’s another to experience it in real-time across public roads. The South Austin journey may be short, but it’s a massive step forward for Tesla and its ambitions for a vast Robotaxi network.
Given Tesla’s plans to scale this service, the world has its eyes set on Austin to see if the pilot proves successful. translates to everyday reality. For those eager to experience autonomous transportation firsthand, you can now register your interest in riding a Tesla Robotaxi when the service becomes available in your area directly through Tesla’s website.
