San Francisco is often a center of technology innovation, so many San Franciscans have become accustomed to seeing self-driving cars on the streets. While reactions to robo-taxis are mixed, many people regularly take them in the city. A new self-driving car has been in the testing stages for months and started offering preliminary rides just for employees earlier this year. Now, Zoox, the latest self-driving car on the streets of SF, has officially opened to the public—somewhat.

Zoox is offering free rides to a select number of passengers as part of the Zoox Explores program. The self-driving cars are currently operating in SoMa, Mission, and Design District neighborhoods, and people can join the waitlist if they are interested in trying the new service. To join the waitlist, download the Zoox app on your phone.

The new robo-taxis will work like other ride-share options, offering point-to-point service within the designated zones, available via the app. The rides are free for now to help the company receive feedback from early users.

Zoox first started testing its fleet in 2017 with safety drivers and has since then launched the service on the Las Vegas Strip in September 2025. The vehicles look very different from your average car, with a boxy shape and seats that face each other.

The company is also partnering with local business Tartine Manufactory, which is located in its current operation zone. Tartine employees are among the first riders, and Zoox has stated that it hopes to have more partnerships with local businesses in the future. Zoox was founded in the Bay Area and is currently offering rides in Las Vegas as well. The company also hopes to launch in Miami and Austin in the future.

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