Zoox Launches Public Robotaxi Service in San Francisco

Zoox, an Amazon-owned company, is taking significant steps towards offering a public robotaxi service in San Francisco. This initiative aims to enhance competition with established players like Waymo.

Public Launch of Zoox Robotaxi Service

For nearly a year, Zoox’s custom-built vehicles, designed without steering wheels or pedals, have been operational in San Francisco. Previously, rides were limited to Zoox employees and their associates.

Early Rider Initiative: Zoox Explorer

Zoox has announced an early rider program called Zoox Explorer. Individuals who signed up for the waitlist will have the opportunity to participate. Although this is not a full-scale public launch, it marks a significant step forward for the company.

• Participants will have access to rides at no charge initially.
• Riders will be gradually moved off the waitlist as more robotaxis are added.
• The aim is to eliminate the waitlist by 2026.

Currently, Zoox operates approximately 50 robotaxis across Las Vegas and San Francisco. Riders will utilize the Zoox app to request rides within a limited service area covering the SoMa, Mission, and Design District neighborhoods.

Comparing Service Areas

While Zoox’s service area is significantly smaller than Waymo’s expansive 260 square miles, this launch brings Zoox one step closer to direct competition.

Background on Zoox

Acquired by Amazon in 2020, Zoox has been innovating towards a commercial robotaxi service for over a decade. Prior to its current vehicles, Zoox used modified Toyota Highlanders for testing its autonomous technology. This effort has been visible in the San Francisco Bay Area for years.

Challenges Ahead for Zoox

Despite this progress, two major hurdles remain. Zoox must secure a permit from the California Public Utilities Commission to charge for rides and gain approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for commercial use of its robotaxis.

• In August, NHTSA granted Zoox an exemption to test its robotaxis on public roads.
• This decision resolved previous uncertainties regarding compliance with federal safety standards.

Until further exemptions are issued for commercial operations, Zoox will continue to offer free rides. The company is Optimistic about its future, striving to integrate its autonomous vehicle technology into the evolving mobility ecosystem of San Francisco.