Zoox Begins Public Robotaxi Service in San Francisco
- Zoox has launched its early rider program in San Francisco, inviting members of the public from its waitlist to join.
- The free autonomous service covers SoMa, Mission, and the Design District, offering point-to-point travel within the area.
Zoox has opened its doors to public riders in San Francisco through its early rider program called Explorers. Participants will be drawn from a waitlist and can ride at no cost while sharing input to help refine the experience as the company expands locally.
“Zoox has been testing our autonomous technology in San Francisco since 2017,” said Aicha Evans, CEO, in an official news release. “It's our home. A city of innovation and progress, with an amazing mobility ecosystem that we feel Zoox can really complement. We have seen incredible interest in Zoox in this market and are excited about this first step to bring our purpose-built robotaxi experience to more people.”
The service covers key neighborhoods including SoMa, the Mission, and the Design District. Riders can choose destinations by dropping a pin, entering an address, or selecting from nearby spots. Trips conclude close to the destination, with walking directions provided as needed.
Zoox has operated in San Francisco since 2017 and began testing its custom robotaxis in late 2024. In September, it launched its service in Las Vegas. With additional vehicles and infrastructure in place, the company says it plans to gradually expand coverage and work with local partners to connect riders with popular destinations.
🌀 Tom’s Take:
With Zoox preparing for a full rollout in the city, Uber expected to arrive in 2026, and Waymo continuing to expand its coverage in the Bay, the robotaxi race is heating up.
Source: Zoox
