Zoox to begin offering robotaxi rides to public in San Francisco

Zoox is beginning to open its robotaxi service to the public in San Francisco, marking a significant step toward a future commercial launch and more direct competition with Waymo.

The company’s custom-built autonomous vehicles — designed without steering wheels or pedals — have been navigating San Francisco streets for nearly a year. Until now, however, rides were limited to Zoox employees, their friends, and family.

This initial rollout is not a full-scale public launch and is not commercial yet. Instead, Zoox will start inviting select waitlisted users to its early-access program, Zoox Explorer. Participants will be able to hail free rides as the company slowly moves people off the waitlist, adds more vehicles, and expands its service area. Zoox said it aims to eliminate the waitlist in 2026.

The company did not disclose how many will gain access or the size of the waitlist. Currently, Zoox operates around 50 robotaxis between San Francisco and Las Vegas.

Once approved for access, riders can use the Zoox app to request a trip within its active service area, which currently covers San Francisco’s SoMa, Mission, and Design District neighbourhoods.

Though the coverage area is far smaller than Waymo’s 260-square-mile operational zone, this public rollout signals Zoox’s increasing readiness to go head-to-head with the Alphabet-owned leader in robotaxis.

Zoox — acquired by Amazon in 2020 — has spent more than a decade developing its autonomous system. For years, its modified Toyota Highlanders were a common sight across the Bay Area. But the company’s purpose-built robotaxis have drawn the most attention for their unique design and cabin layout.

“Zoox has been testing our autonomous technology in San Francisco since 2017,” CEO Aicha Evans said. “It’s our home. A city of innovation and progress, with an amazing mobility ecosystem that we feel Zoox can really complement. We’re excited to take this first step and bring the Zoox robotaxi experience to more people.”

Two major approvals stand between Zoox and a commercial launch:

1. California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approval

Zoox must secure a permit allowing it to charge fares for autonomous rides in California.

2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approval

While NHTSA granted Zoox an exemption in August to operate its custom vehicles on public roads, the company still needs additional authorisation to use them commercially.

The exemption was a critical milestone — resolving uncertainty about whether Zoox’s unique vehicle design complied with federal motor vehicle standards that require elements such as steering wheels and pedals.

For now, the exemption enables Zoox to offer free public rides. Charging passengers will only be possible once regulators expand approval to include commercial operations.