Tesla Readies a Taxi Service in San Francisco—but Not With Robotaxis

Tesla plans to launch a limited public taxi service in San Francisco, according to a filing with the California Public Utilities Commission. However, the company is not permitted to use self-driving or autonomous vehicles for this service, as it has not yet received the necessary regulatory approvals. The filing indicates that Tesla intends to use its existing fleet of electric vehicles, driven by human operators, to provide the taxi service. This move comes as the company continues to work on developing its full self-driving technology, which has faced regulatory hurdles and safety concerns. While the details of the planned taxi service are still unclear, this announcement suggests that Tesla is exploring new revenue streams beyond its traditional vehicle sales. The company's decision to operate a taxi service with human drivers highlights the challenges it faces in securing the required approvals for its autonomous driving ambitions.