Zoox is getting closer to fully launching its robo-taxi service in San Francisco. Last month, the Amazon-owned company began allowing select passengers to hail its vehicles, which are shaped like toasters and can carry four passengers, for the first time. Today, Zoox is inviting members of its public waiting list, which it calls “Zoox Explorers,” to do the same.
See also: Uber: The first market for the development of Lucid Gravity robo-taxis
The company’s gradual rollout of its robo-taxi service is notable, as Zoox is one of the few companies offering rides in purpose-built, fully autonomous vehicles that lack steering wheels, pedals, mirrors or other controls typically associated with human-driven vehicles. While its Las Vegas service is limited to a handful of pick-up and drop-off locations, Zoox said its vehicles will offer more dynamic, “point-to-point” travel within its designated service area in San Francisco.
See also: DoorDash will use Waymo's robo-taxis for deliveries in Phoenix
The experience will be similar to Waymo: customers can hail a ride anywhere within Zoox's service area, which includes most of SoMa, the Mission , and the Design District. As a point-to-point service, riders can choose their destination, enter an address, drop a pin, or choose from a list of suggested points of interest. If needed, walking directions to their final destination will be provided.
Zoox has a fleet of about 50 robo-taxis in both San Francisco and Las Vegas, according to spokeswoman Marisa Wiggam, who declined to disclose the number of people on the waiting list. Interested customers can sign up for the waitlist through the company's app.
See also: Lucid begins robotaxi deal with Nuro and Uber
The rides will be free, as Zoox is only allowed to operate its vehicles for demonstration purposes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Since the vehicles don’t meet federal safety requirements for traditional inspections, Zoox had to get a government exemption for these demonstrations. It’s unclear when the company will be allowed to start charging passengers for the rides.
