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Tesla flags Jacksonville for future Robotaxi service, but offers no launch date
Tesla has named Jacksonville among cities where its driverless ride service is “coming soon,” without saying when or where rides might operate. The notice arrives as the Jacksonville Transportation Authority prepares to pause its NAVI autonomous shuttle service in January.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tesla has listed Jacksonville as a future destination for its Robotaxi ride service, but the company has not announced a start date, an operating area or whether the service has received local approval.
Tesla’s Robotaxi account posted Oct. 21 that service was “coming soon” to Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Antonio. As of Oct. 26, the company had not provided additional details about a local rollout.
The announcement comes as the Jacksonville Transportation Authority plans to pause its NAVI autonomous shuttle service on Jan. 1, 2027. JTA said the software contract for the vehicles is expiring; the vehicles are expected to switch to manual operation, a change the agency estimates will save about $487,000 a month.
City Council member Rory Diamond has advocated allowing privately operated robotaxis, including services from Tesla and Waymo. He has argued they could cost less than NAVI, saying each NAVI ride costs the city $360. Diamond has also said driverless services could improve road safety.
Transportation safety analysts have urged that any deployment be backed by safety evidence and clear accountability when something goes wrong. Tesla’s listing alone does not establish that rides are imminent or that Jacksonville has approved the service.