Table of Contents Zoox Launches Its Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas. Here's How to Hitch a Ride
Zoox on Wednesday launched its robotaxi service for members of the general public, starting in Las Vegas. Anyone can now download the Zoox app for iOS or Android and hail a ride aboard what the company calls its "purpose-built robotaxis" -- meaning there's no driver's seat, steering wheel or pedals. The boxy vehicles will drive on and around the Las Vegas Strip, and rides will initially be free.
"Riders can select from several destinations, such as Resorts World Las Vegas, Area15, Topgolf, and other resort and entertainment properties," Zoox said in a blog post. "We will continue adding new destinations throughout the coming months as we expand our service."
Watch this: This Robotaxi Looks and Drives Like No Car You've Ever Seen Before 11:09
For the last several months, Zoox, which is owned by Amazon, has been operating its purpose-built robotaxis in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Foster City, California, where its headquarters are located. Those rides haven't been open to the public (though I got to take an early test ride last year) as the company has been gathering driving data and testing its autonomous technology. Zoox also operates a test fleet of retrofitted Toyota Highlanders with a safety driver behind the wheel in other cities including Seattle, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Austin, Texas.
Zoox's Las Vegas launch is the first step in its plan to make commercial service available in multiple cities. Through the app, people can also join a waitlist to climb aboard in San Francisco -- though the company isn't yet sharing that launch date.
At launch, Zoox will operate on and near the Las Vegas Strip. Zoox
How to hail a Zoox robotaxi ride
To ride with Zoox in Las Vegas, download the Zoox app on Google Play or Apple's App Store. Then select your destination in the app.
Pick-ups and drop-offs will happen in the ride-hail zone at each destination on and around the Strip, though Zoox has partnered with Resorts World Las Vegas and Area51 to establish designated areas for its riders. An on-site Zoox Concierge at those partner locations can help users navigate the app and answer questions (and maybe help you relax before your first self-driving ride).
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