Tesla starts ride-hailing in San Francisco with safety drivers, not robotaxis yet

Tesla has launched a ride-hailing service in San Francisco’s Bay Area, as announced by CEO Elon Musk on Thursday. The service, which also operates in Austin, allows users to book rides through an invite-only system.Tesla’s AI account on X said that invitations to the ride-hailing service were being sent out. A map posted with the update showed the service operating in the Bay Area, Fremont, and central San Jose.

You can now ride-hail a Tesla in the SF Bay Area, in addition to Austin https://t.co/53dG2dDhdW

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 31, 2025

In California, Tesla’s service uses safety drivers behind the wheel, operating vehicles with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) technology, as confirmed by a video from Tesla influencer Teslaconomics. The company is charging fares for these rides.

My first Tesla Robotaxi ride in the Bay Area, CA! ???? https://t.co/arZykKfNbZ

— Teslaconomics (@Teslaconomics) July 31, 2025

While Musk did not specify whether the service uses self-driving vehicles, California regulations prevent Tesla from operating fully autonomous taxis. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) confirmed that Tesla is not permitted to “test or transport the public” in self-driving vehicles, with or without a driver.

Tesla holds a transportation charter permit from the CPUC, which allows it to offer rides with a human driver in non-autonomous vehicles. However, it has not applied for permits needed to operate fully driverless robotaxis in California.

In contrast, Tesla’s Austin service operates with safety monitors overseeing self-driving Model Y vehicles, under less restrictive Texas rules.

Despite the regulatory limits, Musk remains focused on expanding Tesla’s autonomous services. He recently told investors that robotaxis could reach about half the U.S. population by the end of the year.

(With input from agencies)