Tesla has begun offering Robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas, without a safety monitor present in the vehicle. This move follows a decade of unmet deadlines and broken promises from Elon Musk, and raises questions about safety given existing crash data and evidence of continued remote monitoring.
Robotaxi Rollout and Shifting Safety Measures
The announcement came via Musk’s X account, where he shared a video of a passenger riding in a Tesla Robotaxi without a front-seat safety monitor. However, recent reports indicate that Tesla has not entirely removed safety oversight. Instead, the company is now utilizing trailing vehicles, occupied by safety monitors, to follow the “unsupervised” Robotaxis.
According to Tesla VP of Self-Driving, Ashok Elluswamy, the rollout will be incremental. He stated, “Starting with a few unsupervised vehicles mixed in with the broader robotaxi fleet with safety monitors, and the ratio will increase over time.”
Concerns Over Safety and Performance
Data indicates a significantly higher crash rate for Tesla’s Robotaxi fleet compared to human drivers. Through early November 2025, the fleet traveled 250,000 miles and was involved in at least 8 crashes. This equates to a crash rate of approximately once every 60,000 miles, compared to the average human driver’s crash rate of once every 500,000 miles – more than 8 times higher.
Furthermore, Tesla has been criticized for redacting key information in crash reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hindering transparency and accountability. This contrasts with Waymo, which provides detailed incident reports.
Fleet Size and Remote Operation
The current Robotaxi fleet in Austin is considerably smaller than initially projected. An analysis by a Texas A&M engineering student revealed only 32 Tesla Model Ys are being used in the network, a far cry from Musk’s prediction of 500 vehicles by the end of 2025. Typically, fewer than 10 Robotaxis are operating simultaneously.
Reports also suggest Tesla is heavily reliant on remote monitoring, with a control room equipped with steering wheels, indicating human operators may be remotely guiding the vehicles. This practice, while potentially enhancing safety, raises questions about the true level of autonomy.
What’s Next?
The coming months will be crucial in assessing the viability of Tesla’s Robotaxi program. Key metrics to watch include the speed at which the ratio of unsupervised to supervised vehicles changes, the impact on the crash rate, and whether the fleet expands beyond its current limited size. A gradual increase in unsupervised vehicles, coupled with continued monitoring of crash data, will be essential to determine the safety and effectiveness of the technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Tesla’s Robotaxi program in Austin?
Tesla has begun offering Robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas, with some vehicles operating without a safety monitor in the car. However, the company is also utilizing trailing vehicles with safety monitors to provide oversight.
How does Tesla’s Robotaxi crash rate compare to human drivers?
Tesla’s Robotaxi fleet has a crash rate of approximately once every 60,000 miles, which is more than 8 times higher than the average human driver’s crash rate of once every 500,000 miles.
How large is the Robotaxi fleet currently operating in Austin?
Analysis indicates that the Robotaxi program in Austin currently utilizes approximately 32 Tesla Model Ys, with fewer than 10 vehicles typically operating at any given time.
As Tesla navigates this new phase of its Robotaxi program, will the company prioritize genuine safety advancements or continue to pursue a narrative of technological leadership?
