Post by : Badri Ariffin

A new era of transportation has arrived in San Francisco. Zoox, the autonomous car initiative under Amazon, has commenced a pilot program allowing selected residents to summon its driverless robotaxis.

Dubbed the “Zoox Explorers” program, this initiative provides users in neighborhoods like SoMa, Mission, and the Design district the chance to ride in the brand's uniquely shaped vehicles at no cost. Availability is location-dependent, with plans to eliminate the waitlist by 2026.

What differentiates Zoox in the competitive robotaxi landscape is its bespoke vehicle design. Unlike conventional models modified from other cars, Zoox’s vehicles have been innovatively crafted from scratch, operating without a steering wheel. The testing of their autonomous technology in San Francisco started back in 2017, initially using retrofitted Toyota Highlanders before rolling out its distinct “toaster-shaped” shuttles last year.

For the first time, Zoox enters direct competition with Alphabet's Waymo in San Francisco. Waymo, which has been providing rides to all local residents since June 2024, boasts over 10 million paid rides since it initiated services in Phoenix back in 2020. Recently, the company expanded its reach to include freeway services and areas such as San Jose and Los Angeles.

Currently, Zoox's fleet comprises 50 robotaxis operating between San Francisco and Las Vegas, where public access began in September 2025. Although rides are presently free, transitioning to paid services is part of a larger strategy, pending necessary regulatory clearances.

In addition to San Francisco and Las Vegas, testing occurs in other significant U.S. cities like Seattle, Austin, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C., demonstrating Zoox's ambition to carve out a substantial role in the autonomous ride-hailing sector.

With this initiative, residents of San Francisco can experience a glimpse into a potential future where AI-powered vehicles may revolutionize daily commuting, providing an unmatched ride experience.

#Technology #Global Updates