Tina Bellon

AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – Self-driving startup Argo AI announced Tuesday that it has launched driverless cars in Miami, Florida, and Austin, Texas. However, the company added that they initially used the vehicle for internal testing. Commercial applications will follow at a later date.

Ford Motor (NYSE) Co. and Volkswagen AG (OTC) have supported Argo. The robotaxis has been tested on both public roads in the two cities over several years. Safety drivers were not included until now.

Bryan Salesky (Argo AI Chief Executive) stated in a statement that Argo is the first company to be driverless in 2 major American cities. “Argo safely operates amongst heavy congestion, pedestrians, and bicyclists within the busiest neighborhoods.”

This company permits ride-hail and delivery companies to incorporate its driverless cars into their business operations.

A spokeswoman for Argo AI stated that ride-hail services are available Lyft Inc (NASDAQ) was running pilot programs to incorporate the technology with Walmart (NYSE)

According to a spokeswoman, “Our first driverless operations will be used for employee rides with our own ride-hailing app.” We will integrate driverless in commercial operations when it is appropriate.