Tesla, Inc. (TSLA.US) takes another step forward in its autonomous driving business, granted permission to operate Robotaxi service in Arizona.

Tesla, Inc. (TSLA.US) has been approved to start offering autonomous ride-hailing services in the state of Arizona, clearing the way for its emerging Siasun Robot & Automation taxi business to expand into a new state. The Arizona Department of Transportation granted the automotive manufacturer a Transportation Network Company license on November 17. This milestone license allows Tesla, Inc. to provide vehicle operation services to the public using autonomous driving systems, with human safety operators onboard. The company has informed Arizona that it plans to offer ride-hailing services in the Phoenix area, where it already holds a permit for testing autonomous vehicles. As the electric vehicle manufacturer shifts its focus towards autonomous driving, Siasun Robot & Automation technology, and artificial intelligence, the expansion of its Siasun Robot & Automation taxi business has been closely watched by investors. Tesla, Inc. currently offers autonomous ride-hailing services in Austin and ride-hailing services in the San Francisco Bay Area that are not considered fully autonomous. CEO Elon Musk has stated that the company aims to launch ride-hailing services in Arizona, Nevada, and Florida by the end of the year.