Amazon-owned company Zoox is preparing to move to a new stage in the development of its autonomous transportation. As early as August 10, the service will begin operating paid robotaxi rides without a steering wheel or pedals in Las Vegas.

The launch became possible after the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted Zoox temporary permission in July for commercial operation of up to 2,500 autonomous vehicles per year, not equipped with traditional controls.

The main surprise was the pricing policy. Driverless robotaxis may turn out to be 20–40% more expensive than regular rides through Uber or Lyft. This approach seems unusual, as one of the main goals of automation was precisely to reduce transportation costs by eliminating the driver.

Zoox explained that the cost will be calculated according to the usual scheme: a base fare plus payment for time and distance along the optimal route. When placing an order, the passenger will see all additional fees in advance, and if the car travels a longer route for any reason, the cost of the trip will not increase.

Interest in the new service is likely to be high due to the unusual format of the vehicles themselves. The Zoox robotaxi is a symmetrical pod without a driver's seat: passengers sit facing each other, and control is entirely performed by an automated system.

However, the key question remains open. If, after the novelty effect wears off, the cost of rides indeed turns out to be higher than familiar services, Zoox will have to convince customers that increased comfort and the absence of a driver are worth the overpayment.