Robotaxi Zoox Launches First Paid Service in the U.S.

Amazon has introduced an innovative robotaxi service known as Zoox.

For the first time, paid rides on Zoox became available on August 10, with the service officially launching in Las Vegas. This new offering follows the previous rollout of a complimentary service for selected riders in San Francisco.

While Alphabet’s Waymo autonomous vehicles are also operational in Las Vegas, Zoox distinguishes itself with unique features. Notably, its carriage-style seating arrangement is made possible by the elimination of a steering wheel and gas pedals. The vehicle design allows Zoox to drive in either direction seamlessly, as it does not have a defined front or rear. Riders can customize their experience by adjusting the temperature and music through screens located within the cabin.

On July 30, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted Zoox a temporary exemption to initiate paid services.

According to the agency, “This temporary exemption will allow for the commercial deployment of up to 2,500 vehicles annually for two years, under an enhanced oversight structure that can adapt as Zoox’s technology evolves.”

Pricing for Zoox rides is expected to be competitive with existing rideshare services, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. There may be additional charges for trips to airports or special events.

The Zoox app displays available rides across a broad area of the Las Vegas Valley, with service operating from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Plans are in place for on-demand service rollouts in Austin, Miami, and San Francisco in the near future.

Waymo has recently launched its Ojai service, which operates in a van-style format and is currently available for free to select riders in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. Unlike Zoox, the Ojai vehicle includes a steering wheel and pedals but also provides accessibility features such as elevator-style doors, low step entry and exit options, and large LED screens for personalizing music and temperature settings.