Zoox is taking its driverless robotaxis off the Strip. The Amazon-owned company says its service area now reaches downtown Las Vegas and the Arts District, and it is stretching hours to 6 a.m. to 3 a.m., seven days a week, according to FOX5 and KTNV reports published Thursday, Nov. 12.
Key Takeaways
- Zoox robotaxi coverage is growing from the Strip into downtown Las Vegas and the Arts District.
- Rides will run 6 a.m. to 3 a.m., seven days a week.
- Zoox is rolling out the next version of its robotaxi, with a lighter interior and more rider comfort.
- The move marks one year since Zoox launched rides in Las Vegas.
A year of growth
Zoox began offering rides in Las Vegas a year ago. Early trips were free; in August the company started charging fares based on distance and travel time between pickup and drop-off, KTNV reported. Over recent months Zoox has added stops at Harry Reid International Airport, Sphere and T-Mobile Arena, and the company says it will keep adding access to major resort and entertainment venues.
The boxy, bidirectional Zoox vehicle has no steering wheel or pedals. The updated model now hitting the streets has what FOX5 described as a lighter interior and increased comfort for riders. Neither report listed exact downtown boundaries, fare amounts or a start date for the new area, so check the Zoox app before planning a trip.
Not the only robotaxi in town
Zoox shares the road with Waymo, which also runs driverless rides in Las Vegas. KTNV reported that some local EV owners say Waymo vehicles are crowding public chargers near the Strip, and that rideshare drivers worry about competing with robotaxis at the big pickup spots they rely on. Local officials have said robotaxi partnerships are meant to add a transportation option, not replace existing ones.
What it means for locals and visitors
Visitors staying on the Strip will have a new way to reach Fremont Street, downtown restaurants and First Friday in the Arts District, and late-night riders get service until 3 a.m. For locals, expect to see more of the pod-shaped vehicles on downtown streets. For Uber and Lyft drivers, it is one more player chasing the same short trips between the Strip and downtown, so the airport, shows and late-night runs past 3 a.m. stay key.
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