In ramping up robotaxi service, Tesla is hoping to slingshot past Waymo, another autonomous car service that operates in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Austin, according to its website. Last week, Waymo applied for a permit to test its vehicles in New York City.

Tesla’s long-overdue robotaxi is finally hitting the streets this weekend, but the rollout may face some roadblocks

In a letter addressed to Tesla's director of field quality, Eddie Gates, seven members of the Austin delegation requested a delay, saying it would be in the interest of public safety and would help build trust in the company's operations. The lawmakers shared the letter publicly via social media.