Tesla begins ‘FSD Supervised’ ride-hail tests with employees in Austin, Bay Area

techcrunch.comPublished: 4/23/2025

Summary

Tesla is testing its autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin and the Bay Area, offering insights into its robotaxi operations ahead of a summer rollout. Since launching last month, over 1,500 passengers have driven more than 15,000 miles using the FSD system, which requires drivers to stay engaged. A promotional video highlights the Model 3 sedan with passenger-friendly features like music controls and an emergency stop button, while a safety driver has been onboard during testing in the Bay Area. Austin's rollout plans remain uncertain, with speculation about whether it will include a safety driver from the start.