The Nevada Transportation Authority unanimously approved three permits letting Tesla, Uber and Waymo run commercial robotaxi services across Clark County, clearing the way for up to 8,000 driverless vehicles within the next 12 months.
Tesla was approved for up to 5,000 vehicles, while Waymo and Uber (via partnerships with Hyundai's Motional and Amazon-owned Zoox) each received permits for 1,000. Zoox also holds a separate permit for 100 vehicles. Tesla's Cybercab chief engineer Eric Early called the 5,000 figure a ceiling rather than a target, saying the company "would be extremely happy" to reach 2,500 vehicles on Nevada roads within a year.
Not everyone welcomed the decision. The Livery Operators Association, representing local taxi companies, argued the approvals risk "oversaturation of the commercial transportation industry" and overcrowded roads. Testing is currently concentrated in Las Vegas's Golden Triangle, between the airport and the Strip, with Motional also active downtown and around the Town Square shopping district.