Tesla Robotaxi Rides in Texas Face Two-Hour Delays and Cancellations
Tesla expanded its robotaxi service from Austin to Dallas and Houston but riders report long waits, cancellations and inefficient routing. One five-mile trip took nearly two hours with a 30-minute booking delay, a 19-minute wait, a 35-minute surface-street route and a 15-minute walk from drop-off.
1. Texas Expansion Timeline
Tesla launched its robotaxi service in Austin in June 2025 and extended operations to Dallas and Houston in April 2026.
2. Operational Challenges
High service demand messages, frequent cancellations and delayed pickups plague riders, with one five-mile trip stretching to nearly two hours due to 30-minute booking delays, a 19-minute wait and routing on surface streets.
3. Beta Testing and Safety Monitors
Originally all vehicles carried human safety monitors, a requirement lifted in January 2026 for select vehicles, though service remains in beta and confined to defined zones, limiting availability.