Tesla ( $TSLA ) has approached San Francisco International, San Jose Mineta, and Oakland International airports to secure permits for pickups and drop-offs as it scales its Bay Area ride-hailing service, while California regulators review how the company represents its app-based offering launched in July.
- Tesla notified the CPUC it is engaging SFO, SJC, and OAK for ground-transport permits; all three airports confirmed contact but no approvals yet.
- The service operates via a “Robotaxi” app, but current rides use “supervised” driver-assist with a safety driver; additional AV permits would be required for fully driverless operations.
- CPUC staff met Tesla in Palo Alto to discuss compliance and clarity in public representations; officials asked Tesla to avoid using “robotaxi” for non-AV services.
- Airports have separate processes for conventional ride-hail versus autonomous services; SFO plans a new permit structure for AVs.
- Waymo (Alphabet) recently secured staged airport access at SJC and is mapping SFO under a conditional deal, underscoring competitive pressure.
Relevant Companies
- Tesla ( $TSLA ): Potential expansion of paid airport rides; regulatory outcomes could affect rollout pace.
- Uber Technologies ( $UBER ): Increased competition for airport ride-hail volumes in the Bay Area.
- Alphabet ( $GOOGL ): Waymo’s airport access strategy may face new rivalry if Tesla gains permits.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
