Nevada clears path for paid robotaxi fleets from Uber, Tesla and Waymo
The Nevada Transportation Authority has granted permits allowing three major players to charge passengers for autonomous rides in Clark County, with Tesla authorised to deploy up to 5,000 vehicles.
The Nevada Transportation Authority has approved applications from Tesla, Waymo and Uber for Autonomous Vehicle Network Company permits, authorising the companies to offer paid robotaxi rides in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas. The regulatory move marks a significant shift from previous operations, where vehicles could run autonomously but were not yet permitted to charge commercial fares.
Tesla is authorised to deploy up to 5,000 robotaxis over the next 12 months, according to reports from investor Sawyer Merritt following a meeting with Nevada officials on 20 August. The permit reportedly allows the company to operate across the entire state of Nevada, provided it notifies the agency of its expansion. During a question-and-answer session, Tesla indicated that 5,000 is the maximum deployment limit and expressed that it would be “extremely happy” to have 2,500 robotaxis on the streets of Nevada by 2027.
The company is also working with law enforcement to create a five-minute step-by-step video guide for first responders handling emergencies involving its autonomous vehicles. This protocol is currently in development, with the video intended to provide clear instructions for emergency situations.
Waymo has received permission to deploy 1,000 robotaxis in the region over the next year. The company was previously allowed to operate fully autonomous vehicles in Las Vegas without human riders as of July, but this new permit enables it to begin charging passengers for rides.
Uber’s application to offer paid robotaxi rides in Nevada has also been approved, with the company permitted to deploy 1,000 robotaxis in Clark County. Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s global head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery, confirmed the approval. The ride-hailing giant plans to operate its service using vehicles from Amazon’s Zoox and Hyundai’s Motional.
The approvals reflect a broader trend of increasing autonomous vehicle presence in Las Vegas over the coming year, as regulators and operators move towards commercial viability in the region.
