Zoox Launches Pilot Program of Free Robotaxi Service in San Francisco

The company launched its first autonomous ride-hailing service in Las Vegas in September.

A Zoox self-driving vehicle on display during a media tour at the company’s factory in Fremont, Calif., on July 19, 2022. Carlos Barria/Reuters

SAN FRANCISCO—Zoox, a robotaxi operator owned by Amazon, on Nov. 18 launched a free ride program in parts of San Francisco, a step closer to catching up with Waymo in the race to bring fully autonomous taxis to the public.

Zoox’s free pilot program is so far only open to individuals who signed up on a waiting list to ride in the company’s gondola-shaped robotaxis.