Zoox Announces Public Access to Robotaxis in San Francisco

Zoox Prepares for Full Launch of Robotaxi Service in San Francisco

Zoox is edging closer to the official launch of its robotaxi service in San Francisco. Recently, the Amazon-owned company initiated a trial phase allowing selected riders to hail its distinctive toaster-shaped, four-passenger vehicles for the very first time. Today, Zoox is extending this opportunity to members of its public waitlist known as “Zoox Explorers.”

The rollout of Zoox’s robotaxi service is significant as it offers rides in fully driverless, purpose-built autonomous vehicles that lack traditional controls like steering wheels, pedals, and sideview mirrors. While the service in Las Vegas is currently limited to a few pickup and dropoff locations, Zoox promises a more dynamic “point-to-point” travel experience within its designated service area in San Francisco.

The customer experience is expected to resemble that of Waymo. Riders can request a ride from anywhere within Zoox’s service area, covering key neighborhoods like SoMa, Mission, and the Design District. The point-to-point service allows riders to choose their destination by entering a street address, dropping a pin, or selecting from a list of suggested points of interest. In case of need, walking directions to the final destination will be provided.

Zoox currently operates a fleet of approximately 50 robotaxis in both San Francisco and Las Vegas, according to spokesperson Marisa Wiggam. The company has not disclosed the exact number of individuals on its waitlist. Those interested in joining the waitlist can do so through the Zoox app.

Notably, rides with Zoox are currently complimentary as the company is authorized to operate its vehicles solely for demonstration purposes by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Due to non-compliance with federal safety regulations regarding traditional vehicle controls, Zoox obtained a government exemption for these demonstration rides. The timeline for transitioning to a paid ride service remains uncertain.