Zoox Launches Select Passenger Rides in San Francisco
Published October 24, 2025
The Facts
Amazon-owned Zoox has begun offering rides to select passengers in San Francisco, operating in parts of SoMa, the Mission, and the Design District, according to Rya Jetha at The Standard. The service allows friends and family of Zoox employees to ride in the four-passenger, steering-wheel-free vehicles that can drive bidirectionally.
Zoox announced in November 2024 that it would begin testing its robotaxi in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood, where it has operated test vehicles with safety drivers since 2017. The company previously launched public rides in Las Vegas in September 2025, offering free rides to passengers on and around the Strip.
The Context
Zoox's entry is the second meaningful competition to Waymo's dominance in San Francisco's autonomous vehicle market, though competitor Cruise stopped serving SF in 2023. The Amazon subsidiary operates purpose-built robotaxis without traditional steering wheels or driver controls, featuring amenities like wireless phone charging and personal climate controls. Arguably, there's another competitor in Tesla's taxi service, but its vehicles still require human safety drivers.
The company plans to expand its San Francisco service area gradually, with a full public launch expected in 2026. Zoox operates a production facility in Hayward and has received significant investment from Amazon since its $1.3 billion acquisition in 2020.
Our polling shows huge support for autonomous vehicles - with over two-thirds of San Franciscans expressing support as of mid-2025.
The GrowSF Take
Competition drives innovation, and Zoox's arrival will push Waymo's to keep improving. We're thrilled that San Francisco is embracing futuristic technology instead of shunning it.
Amazon's substantial backing gives Zoox credible resources to compete long-term, which should accelerate improvements across the entire autonomous vehicle sector. This competition benefits consumers through better service and innovation while attracting the high-tech investment that powers San Francisco's economic recovery.