Vay’s Las Vegas car services will have human drivers… operating from miles away

The teledriving car service Vay, which enables remote drivers to operate vehicles from a control center, is expanding its operations in Las Vegas with plans for significant fleet growth and new facilities.

Service overview and expansion plans: Vay is scaling up its innovative remote-operated car service in Las Vegas, with ambitious growth targets for 2025.

• The company plans to expand its fleet to 100 vehicles in Las Vegas by 2025
• A new 8,500-square-foot production facility is under construction, capable of processing up to 16 vehicles weekly
• The service currently operates in central Las Vegas, including coverage of the Strip and nearby tourist attractions
• More than 6,000 trips have been completed since the service launched one year ago

Operational mechanics: The service combines remote operation with traditional car rental in a unique hybrid model.

• Customers request vehicles through a mobile application
• Remote drivers deliver cars to customers’ locations from a central facility
• Users drive the vehicles themselves during their rental period
• When trips conclude, remote operators resume control to retrieve the vehicle

Technical infrastructure: Vay’s system relies on sophisticated technology to enable safe remote vehicle operation.

• The company utilizes Kia Niro EVs equipped with comprehensive camera systems and sensors
• Remote drivers work from a central office using specialized workstations with steering wheels, pedals, and multiple displays
• Microphone systems transmit road sounds to drivers’ headphones for enhanced awareness
• The platform adheres to automotive safety standards ISO 26262 and 21434, with validation from TÜV Süd

Business model advantages: Vay’s approach offers several benefits compared to traditional transportation services.

• The per-minute rental model provides cost advantages over conventional ride-sharing services
• Users enjoy greater privacy compared to traditional taxis or ride-hailing services
• Human oversight provides an additional safety layer compared to fully autonomous vehicles
• Operating hours currently span from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM in Las Vegas

Future trajectory: The company is positioning itself for growth beyond consumer transportation services.

• Vay is expanding into B2B services for remote operation of various vehicle types
• The Remote Driving Academy program is actively recruiting and training new operators
• The company is exploring applications for private cars, trucks, vans, and autonomous vehicles

Market implications: While Vay’s expansion demonstrates growing confidence in remote driving technology, questions remain about scalability and regulatory frameworks as the service expands beyond its initial market.