Tesla's 'ride-hailing' service is now live in San Francisco, Elon Musk says

Core Insights - Tesla has launched its ride-hailing service in the San Francisco Bay Area, but it is not being referred to as a robotaxi [1][2] - The service is invite-only and will initially operate with safety drivers behind the wheel, utilizing Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology [2][3] - Tesla has not yet applied for permits to test fully driverless taxis in California, although it holds a transportation charter permit for non-autonomous vehicles [8] Group 1 - Tesla's ride-hailing service is now available in the Bay Area and Austin, as confirmed by CEO Elon Musk [1] - The service's operating area includes the Bay Area, Fremont, and central San Jose, with invitations being sent out [1] - The company is charging for rides, and safety drivers are confirmed to be present during the initial phase of the service [3] Group 2 - California has strict regulations for autonomous taxi services, which differ from the less stringent rules in Texas [3] - Musk has ambitious goals for the robotaxi service, aiming for availability to about half of the US population by the end of the year [9] - Tesla has not yet sought the necessary permits for fully driverless taxis in California, according to the California DMV [8]