Waymo and Tesla are getting into a size contest. Temper your expectations with both companies — for now.

In the competitive landscape of autonomous ride-hailing, Waymo and Tesla are vying for dominance, particularly in Austin, Texas. Waymo has recently announced a significant expansion of its robotaxi service area, growing from approximately 37 square miles to a substantial 90 square miles. This extended coverage now includes several neighborhoods such as Crestview, Windsor Park, Sunset Valley, and Franklin Park. In contrast, Tesla has begun testing its own robotaxi services, but only for a select group of invitees. While Tesla showcased an expanded service geofence just days before Waymo's announcement, the company has yet to clarify when the broader public can expect access to its rides. Currently, only a limited number of individuals have received invitations to experience these autonomous rides firsthand. Waymo’s expansion aims to provide more residents of Austin the chance to experience fully autonomous transportation. However, it's important to note that their service operates exclusively through the Uber app. This means users cannot directly request a robotaxi; instead, they can opt-in for this service, with the app determining whether to assign a human driver or a robotaxi based on availability and efficiency. Recent tests conducted in Downtown Austin revealed that when users attempted to hail a Waymo, the Uber app often matched them with a human driver, especially when the route involved highways like the 35 or MoPac Expressway. Waymo currently does not offer public rides on these highways, as confirmed by Chris Bonelli, a spokesperson for Waymo. As the race for robotaxi supremacy continues, both companies are navigating the complexities of expanding their services while ensuring safety and efficiency. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has promised rapid advancements in their robotaxi offerings, but for now, potential riders may need to manage their expectations as they await broader access to these innovative transportation options.