Since they formally launched in Austin on June 22, Tesla’s self-driving robotaxis are drawing lots of attention from locals.
They’re also drawing interest from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after online videos were posted purporting to show the company’s autonomous vehicles driving in the wrong lane and speeding around town, according to reports.
After weeks of testing in Austin with a person in the vehicle, the robotaxi service went live and, according to first-person accounts and videos, has had some glitches. According to some who have ridden in them, the Tesla Model Y vehicles have driven above speed limits and stopped in the middle of intersections.
Others have reported smoother experiences using the service, which charges passengers a flat $4.20 fee. Waymo also operates its self-driving service in Austin, and Zoox is currently driving its test fleet there.
Representatives for Tesla and for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not immediately respond to requests for information.
