Don't Barf in a Tesla: Tesla Robotaxi Cleaning Fee in Austin Hits $150
Tesla introduces a new cleaning fee system for its Austin robotaxi service. Learn about the $50 and $150 penalty tiers and how they compare to competitors like Waymo.
A night out in Austin could end with a bitter aftertaste—and a $150 bill. Tesla has officially rolled out a tiered cleaning fee system for its robotaxi service in Texas, signaling that autonomous rides come with strict hygiene expectations.
Decoding the Tesla Robotaxi Cleaning Fee Structure
According to reports from Tesla insider Sawyer Merritt, the company now categorizes messes into two financial tiers. A "moderate mess," which includes food spills or minor stains, will cost riders an extra $50. However, if you're guilty of a "severe mess"—defined as biowaste (vomit) or smoking—Tesla will slap you with a $150 penalty fee.
"We prioritize maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for all riders," Tesla stated. Once a fee is assessed, users receive an email notification and an updated receipt within the Robotaxi app. If riders feel the charge was unfair, they're directed to call customer support and follow prompts for option 7.
How Tesla Compares to Waymo and Hertz
Tesla's pricing isn't the steepest in the industry, but it's competitive. Waymo typically charges $50 if the rider self-reports a mess, though that can double to $100 for non-disclosure. Traditional rental giant Hertz can charge up to $400 for smoking violations. While Austin still requires a human safety monitor on board for certain trips, the cleaning fee underscores a move toward fully autonomous accountability.
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