Zoox will let public riders use its robotaxis in San Francisco

"The gradual launch of the company's robotaxi service is notable, because Zoox is one of the few companies to offer rides in a fully driverless, purpose-built autonomous vehicle that lacks a steering wheel, pedals, sideview mirrors, or other controls typically associated with human driven vehicles. And while its service in Las Vegas is limited to just a handful of pickup and dropoff locations, Zoox said its vehicles will offer more dynamic, "point-to-point" travel within its designated service area in San Francisco."

"The experience sounds like it will be similar to Waymo: customers are able to hail a ride anywhere within Zoox's service area, which includes most of the SoMa, Mission, and Design District neighborhoods. As a point-to-point service, riders can select their own destination, enter a street address, drop a pin, or select from a list of suggested points of interest. Walking directions to their final destination will be provided if needed."

"Zoox has a fleet of "about 50 robotaxis" across both San Francisco and Las Vegas, said spokesperson Marisa Wiggam, who also declined to disclose the number of people on its waitlist. Interested customers can join the waitlist through the company's app. 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."

Zoox began offering select riders the chance to hail its toaster-shaped, four-passenger robotaxis in San Francisco and is now inviting members from its public waitlist, called "Zoox Explorers," to use the service. The vehicles are fully driverless and purpose-built, lacking steering wheels, pedals, sideview mirrors, or other traditional human controls, and will operate point-to-point across most of SoMa, Mission, and the Design District. Riders can set destinations by street address, dropped pin, or suggested points of interest and will receive walking directions if needed. Zoox operates about 50 robotaxis across San Francisco and Las Vegas, and rides are free under a federal demonstration exemption.

Read at The Verge