While Tesla is on the verge of starting a new chapter, Alphabet’s Waymo has been quietly providing actual paid robotaxi rides to customers in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin, where Tesla’s test will begin.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on X that the company has set a tentative date of June 22 for robotaxi rides for the public.

“You have a regulatory environment that’s keen to capitalize on these developments,” says Alison Brooks, research vice president for worldwide public safety at IDC. “At the same time, it’s a blue city in a red state that’s predisposed towards alternative vehicles that are more environmentally friendly.”

Tesla shares have surged in anticipation of the launch of the company's robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, this week. Goldman Sachs says Tesla has advantages in the AV market, but questioned its ability to meet CEO Elon Musk's targets.