In a bold step toward the future of driverless mobility, Tesla’s Robotaxi service quietly hit the streets of Austin this Sunday, rolling out its sleek Model Y vehicles for select riders at an eye-catching fare of just $4.20. While early users cheered its smooth rides and smart turns—even in tricky parking spots—an unexpected lane slip revealed the hidden growing pains behind the wheel-free revolution. As the pilot run dazzles some and concerns others, the eyes of both tech dreamers and wary commuters remain fixed on Tesla’s next move in this daring drive toward automation.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Launch City: Austin

• Ride Cost: $4.20 per ride

• Test Fleet: Tesla Model Y vehicles

• Availability: Invite-only trial phase

• Performance: Mostly smooth, one documented lane deviation

• Safety Response: Auto-halt, hazard lights, Tesla support contact, 911 if unresponsive

• Public Access: No announced date yet

• Liability Policy: Limited to ride cost or $100, excludes intangible damages

Tesla’s vision of a driverless future took a tangible step forward this weekend as the company officially launched its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. Using its Model Y fleet, Tesla offered a limited group of riders a chance to experience the autonomous ride-hailing service that has long been promised by CEO Elon Musk. With a fare set at just $4.20, early adopters were eager to share their experiences — many describing the rides as smooth, efficient, and surprisingly convenient.

The service, currently operating under an invite-only model, is seen as a trial phase to gauge real-world conditions and user responses before opening to the general public. According to users, the robotaxis proved adept at handling city roads, including more complex maneuvers like navigating Austin’s notorious parking lots and operating after dark — conditions that have historically challenged other autonomous driving systems.

However, amidst the applause and optimism, not every moment went as flawlessly. During one particular trip, captured on video, a robotaxi hesitated during a left turn, initially veering as if to turn, then continuing toward the next intersection. At one point, the vehicle straddled a double yellow line, briefly entering the opposite traffic lane. While there were no oncoming vehicles and the robotaxi corrected its course without incident, the clip offered a rare, unfiltered view of the service’s current limitations.

These early glimpses into robotaxi performance come at a critical moment for Tesla. The company has yet to provide a timeline for when the broader public can begin using the service, but Musk has made clear that the pace of expansion will depend heavily on how the current pilot unfolds. Should the trial phase avoid significant issues or accidents, Tesla may scale up operations swiftly across more cities.

To address potential safety concerns, Tesla has implemented a clear post-incident protocol. If a collision or serious malfunction occurs, the robotaxi is designed to stop where it is, activate its hazard lights, and automatically establish communication with Tesla’s customer support team. If there’s no response from the passenger, the system is programmed to call 911. For non-emergency situations, the company has outlined a digital claims process to assist users.

Still, the fine print in Tesla’s service agreement offers a stark reminder of the legal boundaries involved in this new mode of transport. In the event of a claim, Tesla limits its liability strictly — passengers can only seek compensation up to the amount they paid for the ride in question or $100, whichever is greater. Additionally, Tesla disclaims responsibility for intangible losses, such as stress or inconvenience stemming from technical issues.

The debut in Austin represents more than just a local launch — it’s a carefully observed test case that could shape the future of urban transportation. With autonomous vehicles steadily becoming more visible on American roads, Tesla’s robotaxi service is now under both public and regulatory scrutiny. For now, the rides are cheap and mostly smooth. But whether the robotaxi can remain reliable — and accountable — as it scales remains the larger question.