Amazon’s Zoox Expands Robotaxi Service to Las Vegas Airport

Amazon-owned Zoox has expanded its commercial robotaxi operations in Las Vegas to include service at Harry Reid International Airport, allowing customers to request autonomous rides to and from the city’s busiest transportation hub.

The company said airport trips will become available starting Thursday. The move expands Zoox’s existing Las Vegas service and marks another step in the company’s transition toward a broader commercial robotaxi business.

Zoox has spent more than a decade developing its self-driving technology and custom-built robotaxi, a vehicle designed without conventional controls such as a steering wheel and pedals. Although the company has provided public rides in Las Vegas for about a year, it previously could not operate a fully commercial paid robotaxi service.

Zoox begins commercial expansion after federal approval

Zoox’s commercial rollout gained momentum in August after federal safety regulators approved a temporary exemption from certain motor vehicle safety requirements. The exemption lasts two years and allows the company to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles while covering eight federal vehicle standards, including requirements related to windshield defrosting and light vehicle braking systems.

After receiving the exemption, Zoox started charging passengers for rides on Aug. 10, announced plans to test its autonomous vehicles in San Diego and Houston, and published its safety framework as it expanded operations.

Las Vegas becomes a key battleground for robotaxis

With its airport service, Zoox becomes the only robotaxi company currently offering rides to and from Harry Reid International Airport. The company said its vehicles will pick up and drop off passengers near baggage claim areas at both airport terminals.

Uber and Lyft currently provide airport transportation in Las Vegas. Still, their passenger pickup areas are located away from baggage claim, requiring travellers to walk to a nearby parking garage.

Competition in the city’s autonomous transportation market is expected to increase. Tesla, Uber, and Waymo have received permits from the Nevada Transportation Authority to operate commercial robotaxi services in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas.

The approved permits could allow up to 8,000 robotaxis to operate across the county over the next 12 months. Uber plans to launch its robotaxi service through partnerships with Hyundai subsidiary Motional and Zoox.