Amazon's Zoox Robotaxis to Hit the Road with Paid Rides in 2026

Amazon's self-driving robotaxi subsidiary, Zoox, expects to start charging passengers for rides in Las Vegas in early 2026, with paid rides in the San Francisco Bay Area coming later next year, according to a company executive. The move, which would represent a key milestone for Zoox as it seeks to catch up with Alphabet's Waymo, depends on obtaining federal regulatory and state approvals, Zoox cofounder and chief technology officer Jesse Levinson told the audience at the Fortune Brainstorm AI event in San Francisco on Monday. Levinson emphasized that Zoox is "laser focused" on moving people around cities, an addressable market he sees as being "just profoundly huge." This directive has come from the top at Amazon, despite the retailer's significant interest in driverless package delivery. "It's harder to move people around than packages in terms of what you have to do with your vehicle," Levinson said. "On the other hand, automating package delivery is rife with its own challenges because the boxes have to get in and out of the vehicle, which isn't as straightforward as moving people." Zoox's focus on people transportation is a deliberate choice, one that sets the company apart from its competitors. While Waymo recently partnered with DoorDash to test food deliveries with driverless cars, Zoox is prioritizing the development of a robust and reliable transportation service. Levinson believes that this approach will pay off in the long run, as the demand for efficient and convenient transportation options continues to grow. The development of Zoox's robotaxi service has been underway for several years, with the company having already tested its vehicles on public roads in multiple cities. The service is designed to provide a seamless and safe transportation experience, with vehicles equipped with advanced sensors and AI-powered navigation systems. While the company has not yet disclosed the pricing details for its service, it is expected to be competitive with other ride-hailing options. The approval process for Zoox's robotaxi service is ongoing, with the company working closely with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Levinson expressed confidence that the company will meet the necessary requirements and begin charging passengers for rides in the near future. As the self-driving transportation industry continues to evolve, Zoox's focus on people transportation is likely to have a significant impact on the market. With its commitment to developing a reliable and efficient transportation service, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for autonomous mobility solutions.