Elon Musk Podcast Tesla’s Robotaxi App Is Here, but It Still Needs a Driver
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Sep 4, 2025 Tesla's robotaxi app has finally launched, letting users hail rides in self-driving cars, though a human driver is still required for safety. The service aims to pave the way for a future with full autonomy, but challenges remain. Comparisons are made with competitors like Waymo, as user feedback reveals the app's strengths and areas for improvement. Regulatory hurdles could impact Tesla's ambitions in the ride-hailing market, potentially shaping the company’s future beyond just car sales.
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Public Robotaxi App Mirrors Ride-Hail UX
- Tesla launched a standalone Robotaxi app in select US cities that mimics Uber/Lyft for ride requests.
- The app exposes real users to supervised FSD while Tesla collects operational data at scale.
Human Supervision Remains Central
- Every Robotaxi ride still requires a human safety driver who can intervene instantly.
- Tesla frames the rollout as supervised testing to gather edge-case data while staying legal.
Legal Framing Enables A Pilot Run
- Tesla filed as a transportation network company in multiple states to operate commercially under TNC rules.
- That lets Tesla run a limited pilot while complying with safety monitoring and reporting requirements.