Amazon’s Zoox robotaxi service has launched in San Francisco, offering free rides in select neighborhoods to compete with Waymo. The service is limited to a waiting list and uses Zoox’s unique steering-wheel-free vehicles, following a similar launch in Las Vegas.

Zoox is not charging riders yet, unlike Waymo’s paid services in Phoenix. Amazon’s autonomous-driving push began with the $1.2 billion acquisition of Zoox in 2020. Approval from California regulators is needed before Zoox can charge fares in San Francisco.

Waymo has expanded aggressively across California and into cities like Atlanta and Austin, with plans for New York, Washington DC, and London next year. It has also announced highway operations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, with five more US cities planned for next year.

Amazon is preparing for a broader rollout, with Zoox planning expansions to Austin and Miami. A former bus factory in Hayward has been converted into a high-tech production site to eventually produce up to 10,000 robotaxis a year.

On Wednesday, Amazon’s stock closed at $222.69, up 0.06%, and is now trading after hours at $224.31, up 0.73%, on the NasdaqGS.

Read more at Nasdaq: Amazon’s Zoox Launches Free Robotaxi Service In San Francisco To Compete With Waymo