Waymo announced its intention to bring autonomous robotaxis to Toronto streets by 2028, beginning with a phased approach that includes detailed city mapping and supervised driving tests.
- Waymo launches first Canadian robotaxi in Toronto by 2028
- Testing begins with human-driven vehicles to learn local conditions
- Partnerships include Element Fleet Management and CPP Investments
What happened
Waymo revealed plans to introduce its autonomous taxi service in Toronto by 2028, marking the company's first entry into the Canadian market. Initially, Waymo’s vehicles will be driven manually to allow for comprehensive mapping and data collection on Toronto’s streets. The phased rollout includes detailed familiarization with local driving behaviors, followed by supervised testing of the self-driving technology.
Why it matters
Waymo's expansion into Toronto represents a significant milestone in the adoption of autonomous vehicle technology in Canada. The company’s move is supported by substantial local investments and partnerships, including backing from Canada’s largest pension fund, CPP Investments, and components supplied by Magna, a major Canadian car parts manufacturer. These collaborations indicate strong domestic interest in supporting and scaling driverless mobility solutions.
Beyond economic impact, Waymo’s service may also enhance transportation accessibility. Organizations representing blind and disabled communities have endorsed the technology as a potential means for greater independence. From a safety perspective, Waymo reports that its autonomous cars have driven more than 400 million kilometers with 95% fewer serious injury crashes compared to human drivers, which could transform urban transit safety in Toronto.
What to watch next
Key developments to monitor include the results of the initial mapping and testing phases, which will reveal how the system adapts to Toronto’s unique traffic patterns and winter weather challenges. The pilot program’s regulatory oversight will continue shaping operational and safety standards as Waymo scales its presence.
Additionally, the partnership with Element Fleet Management and the creation of hundreds of new jobs in vehicle maintenance, test driving, and customer service will be important measures of the program’s local economic contribution. Toronto’s experience could influence further Canadian cities’ openness to autonomous ride-hailing services while illustrating how well driverless tech performs in a demanding urban environment outside the U.S.