Zoox has opened its San Francisco waitlist to the public, allowing select members to experience free rides in its purpose-built, fully autonomous robotaxis through the new Zoox Explorers early rider program.
Highlights
- Free public rides begin immediately for waitlisted users in San Francisco.
- Service covers most of SoMa, Mission, and Design District neighborhoods.
- Point-to-point trips with drop-offs near requested destinations.
- Riders access the service via the Zoox mobile app on iOS or Android.
Program Overview
The Zoox Explorers initiative invites members of the public to ride at no cost and provide feedback. This data will help refine operations before wider deployment.
Invitations are sent progressively from the waitlist based on rider location and vehicle availability. The program builds on employee-only testing that began in San Francisco in November 2024.
Service Area and Ride Experience
Current operations are geofenced to the majority of SoMa, Mission, and Design District.
Ride booking and routing features:
- Select from suggested points of interest, enter an address, or drop a pin.
- Vehicle provides curb-side or nearby drop-off.
- Walking directions supplied when exact door-to-door access is not possible.
All rides remain free during this initial phase.
Community and Business Integration
Zoox has partnered with Tartine Manufactory as its first local business collaborator. The partnership prioritizes rides for Tartine employees and promotes passenger visits to the location.
Additional business partnerships are planned to connect riders with Bay Area destinations.
Company Background and Vehicle Design
Zoox has tested autonomous technology in San Francisco since 2017, initially with safety drivers. The company maintains multiple offices and vehicle depots in the city.
Unlike competitors that retrofit existing vehicles, Zoox deploys only purpose-built robotaxis with no steering wheel or pedals. The bidirectional design supports four passengers in a face-to-face configuration.
Zoox previously launched limited public service in Las Vegas in September 2025 and continues to expand destinations there.
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