A handful of fully driverless Model Y SUVs are now roaming South Congress, giving invited riders a glimpse of Elon Musk’s long‑promised robotaxi future for the cost of a fancy coffee.
Tesla rolled out the pilot on June 22, limiting service to about a dozen vehicles, each with a safety monitor in the front seat and a geofenced five‑mile operating zone. Rides cost a flat $4.20 and, for now, the app politely refuses gratuities with a cheeky “Just kidding” popup. Below is a quick snapshot before you book:
| Launch city | Fleet size | Service window | Fare | Who can ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, Texas | ~10–20 Model Ys | 6 a.m.–midnight, good weather only | $4.20 flat | Influencers & early testers (18+) |
What riders pay and why the flat $4.20 price matters now
So why $4.20? Aside from Musk’s well‑known fondness for the number, the rock‑bottom fare serves a strategic purpose: generate viral buzz and collect real‑world data without scaring off first‑time users. Wondering if you can hail one yet? Unless you received an invite on X (formerly Twitter), you’ll have to wait—public access is expected later this summer.
How Tesla’s camera‑only self‑driving system tackles Austin streets and safety questions? Unlike rivals that rely on bulky lidar, Tesla trusts a camera‑only neural network to read traffic. A human monitor can grab the wheel if the software hesitates, but there’s no second steering wheel. Critics ask whether vision‑only tech can handle Texas downpours; Tesla counters that fewer sensors mean cheaper cars and faster scaling.
Limited rollout with influencers and what to expect before nationwide availability
For now the cars avoid airports, construction zones, and hard rain. Influencers were chosen to flood social media with first‑impression videos—have you spotted one yet? Tesla says successful trials could pave the way for expansion to as many as 25 U.S. cities within a year, pending state approvals and a new Texas autonomous‑vehicle permit that kicks in September 1.
The $4.20 robotaxi marks a milestone for Tesla and the broader self‑driving race. If the fleet runs smoothly—and regulators stay on board—everyday Texans could signal a ride by year’s end. Until then, keep an eye on safety data and future fare tweaks; today’s bargain could set tomorrow’s benchmark.