Tesla robotaxi in Austin took 70 minutes instead of 10 — InsideEVs
In Austin, Texas, U.S., a Tesla robotaxi took 70 minutes for a trip that, according to the passenger’s expectations, should have lasted about 10 minutes. The user reported this on Reddit, while InsideEVs noted that Tesla owners have been complaining for years about illogical decisions made by the navigation system.
Detour through the eastern part of the city
The passenger planned to travel from the 99 Ranch store to The Domain area. According to him, instead of taking a direct route, the vehicle made a significant detour through eastern Austin, veering far to the south. The user also said that the Robotaxi app did not show an estimated trip duration when the ride was ordered.
Tesla owners have previously reported cases in which the navigation system suggested unjustifiably long routes or directed the vehicle in the wrong direction. In a conventional car, the driver can adjust the route independently, whereas a passenger in an autonomous robotaxi cannot do so.
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Possible route restrictions
InsideEVs notes that restrictions for Tesla robotaxis may have affected the trip duration. Fleet vehicles travel on surface streets at lower speeds and do not use highways. The publication also suggests that the route may have been complicated by at-grade railroad crossings.
Tesla did not respond to the publication’s request as to whether the detour was related to a mapping data error, restrictions imposed by the service’s operating conditions, or a combination of these factors. Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously stated that the company would be extremely cautious about safety during the robotaxi launch, so expansion to other types of roads may occur gradually.
