The future of rideshare is no longer just about human drivers.
With robotaxis now operating in Austin and pilot programs expanding to Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, Texas has become a proving ground for autonomous rides. But while the technology promises safer roads and cheaper fares, a new study conducted by Texas Law Dog reveals that public trust remains the single biggest barrier to widespread adoption.
National Skepticism vs. Texas Optimism
Across the United States, skepticism about self-driving cars runs deep. According to Pew Research, 75% of Americans favor a slower rollout of autonomous vehicles, while 26% say they would never ride in one. AAA’s 2025 survey found that only 13% of U.S. drivers trust self-driving cars, up slightly from 9% in 2024. Meanwhile, a Forbes Advisor poll reported that 93% of respondents expressed safety concerns about robotaxis.
Texas, however, tells a different story. The study found that 63% of Texans describe themselves as “cautious” but open to trying robotaxis, while 32% already feel “confident” riding in one. That’s nearly triple the national confidence rate. Younger Texans, in particular, are leading the way, citing convenience and affordability as their top motivators.
Generational Divide: Who’s Ready to Ride?
The study highlights a sharp generational split in attitudes toward robotaxis:…