Tesla's Robotaxis Still Lagging in Dallas, Houston

Tesla's robotaxi service, recently expanded to Dallas and Houston, appears to be in a beta testing phase, according to recent reporter tests. The service was hampered by extended wait times and inconsistent availability, with some rides experiencing significant delays and inconvenient drop-off locations.

One reporter faced nearly two hours for a 20-minute drive in Dallas due to high demand and unavailability messages. Drop-off points were often a 15-minute walk from the intended destination, with one agent citing a "restricted" area and the ongoing beta status.

Similar issues were noted in Houston, where a second ride was canceled after an initial wait, and in Austin, where wait times can exceed 30 minutes and some vehicles still have safety monitors. Tesla's ambitious goal of serving half the U.S. population by the end of 2025 with robotaxis faces these operational hurdles.

Concerns about the technology's reliability have been echoed by analysts, with CEO Elon Musk stating a "cautious approach" is being taken. The service's performance in major Texas cities suggests a gap between investor expectations and the current state of Tesla's driverless technology.