(Reuters) - Tesla is in early talks with the authorities in the city of Austin, Texas, regarding its autonomous vehicle technology, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.

A Tesla employee has been in touch with the city's autonomous vehicle task force since at least May to establish safety expectations for the vehicles, the report said, citing emails acquired by public records requests.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

CEO Elon Musk had said in October the electric vehicle maker would roll out driverless ride-hailing services to the public in California and Texas next year.