Waymo has announced plans to launch its robotaxi service in Toronto, marking its first expansion into Canada. The company intends to begin public operations in 2028, making Toronto its fourth international market after London, Tokyo, and Singapore.
The rollout will begin with a manual driving phase to map streets and validate software. Waymo has partnered with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management to handle fleet operations. The company also noted support from existing partners, including the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Magna International.
Waymo aims to create hundreds of local jobs in areas such as fleet maintenance and customer service. This focus addresses concerns from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow regarding potential job losses. The company plans to use the lead time to test its system through at least two Toronto winters.
Regulatory hurdles remain, as Ontario currently lacks a commercial framework for driverless services. The existing pilot regulation for automated vehicle testing is set to expire on October 13, 2027. Waymo's 2028 target depends on the provincial government establishing new commercial licensing rules.
