Tesla is on the brink of launching its highly anticipated robotaxi service, but before you take a seat in one of its autonomous vehicles, there are several important caveats to be aware of. Initially, the Model Y Cybercab service will be accessible only to a select group of participants, including Tesla enthusiasts. Interestingly, despite the buzz around autonomy, a “safety monitor” will be present in the driver’s seat of these cars during the initial phase. This suggests that while Tesla is pushing forward with automation, the technology isn’t quite there yet for complete independence.
As reported by Electrek, participants—often referred to as Tesla’s self-driving guinea pigs—must comply with various restrictions. Rides will be geofenced to specific areas in Austin, Texas, and curiously, airports are off-limits. The operational hours are limited to between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m., a likely measure to minimize the chances of unexpected interactions with other drivers. Furthermore, the requirement for a monitor on board indicates that Tesla is still fine-tuning its autonomous capabilities, much like GM’s Cruise, which faced similar scrutiny for having remote assistance in their cars.
Tesla has given me permission to share the parameters of use for their Model Y Robotaxi service, starting this Sunday June 22nd in Austin, Texas. The Early Access phase is invitation-only.
Parameters of Use:
• You must read through and agree to the attached Terms of Service,… pic.twitter.com/RPy5TvUbBg— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 20, 2025
In contrast, Google’s Waymo robotaxi service is rapidly expanding across the nation. In Austin, for the first half-year, human drivers took the wheel before transitioning to full autonomy. Notably, New York is now preparing for its own robotaxi revolution, with Waymo announcing plans to send its fleet to the city. However, it must first navigate complex traffic laws, which currently require human oversight in case a self-driving car runs into difficulties.
Waymo’s operations will initially feature a driver behind the wheel due to New York’s regulations that mandate permits for autonomous vehicles. Remarkably, these laws also stipulate that a vehicle operator is present, thus preventing a fully autonomous service until law adjustments occur. This is where Google’s lobbying efforts come into play, as they aim to modify state laws to enable their ride-hailing service in the urban landscape of New York.
Although Waymo won’t operate in New York full-time immediately, their end goal is to mirror the services they currently provide in San Francisco, which has also proven challenging. In 2024 alone, Waymo received nearly 600 citations in San Francisco for various driving violations, including blocking traffic and parking in no-go zones. While the company claims improvements are underway, the question remains: is their pace of enhancement enough to justify rapid expansion in diverse urban settings?
New York’s regulations require that companies self-certify that their vehicles are safer than human drivers. Given the city’s notoriously chaotic driving environment, this is no small feat. With recent changes allowing jaywalking and streets often riddled with construction and double-parked cars, the navigation challenge for autonomous vehicles intensifies. Traditional driving environments are infinitely easier to manage when compared to New York’s intricate layout.
Many experts assert that autonomous vehicles won’t alleviate traffic problems; in fact, they may exacerbate them by stimulating higher demand for rides. Even with debates surrounding congestion pricing in New York, studies show that controlling the cost of road usage is essential for reducing traffic congestion. Adding extra lanes or automated driving paths often backfires by merely inviting more vehicles onto the streets.
Ultimately, Waymo’s goal appears to be to maximize the presence of robotaxis in urban areas. The downside? It risks swapping out aggressive human drivers for computers that might panic at the sight of a single traffic cone. Should New York open its streets to one autonomous vehicle maker, you can bet that other companies like Tesla will soon follow suit.
What safety features do Tesla’s robotaxis include? Tesla’s robotaxis will come equipped with onboard safety monitors during the initial rollout, ensuring a human presence during rides.
How will Waymo’s operations in New York differ from those in San Francisco? Initially, Waymo will have human drivers available as per New York’s stringent transportation laws, setting it apart from its San Francisco operations.
Can autonomous vehicles operate freely on New York streets? Currently, New York regulations require a human operator to be present in self-driving vehicles, limiting their freedom on urban streets.
Will the introduction of robotaxis reduce traffic congestion? Experts suggest that autonomous vehicles could actually increase demand for rides, leading to potentially worse traffic conditions rather than improvements.
As the autonomous vehicle landscape evolves, keep an eye on these impressive advancements while exploring related topics. For more insights and information, visit Moyens I/O.