Cruise, a San Francisco-based autonomous vehicle technology company, has launched its self-driving car service in Houston. The service is available in several neighborhoods, and rides can be hailed between 9 pm and 6 am, seven days a week. Cruise plans to expand its services and eventually offer 24/7 availability across Houston. The company’s autonomous vehicles have been tested by employees and their friends and family since August, and Cruise aims to make transportation safer, more accessible, and affordable. The service is launching with $5 flat-rate rides for passengers. Cruise is known for its electric vehicles powered by renewable energy and has raised significant capital from investors, including General Motors, Honda, and Microsoft. The company plans to introduce larger passenger vehicles in Houston as it continues to expand its self-driving services.