Waymo Picks Toronto as First Canadian City, Targets Riders in 2028
The launch date depends on Ontario writing new commercial rules before its current testing regulation expires in October 2027.
Waymo has selected Toronto as the location for its first Canadian robotaxi service, with plans to carry public riders in 2028. The announcement marks the company’s expansion into a fourth international market, following London, Tokyo, and Singapore, but the timeline faces significant regulatory hurdles in Ontario.
What Happened
Waymo announced the expansion on its blog, stating that its vehicles will begin driving Toronto streets in the coming days. Initially, these cars will be manually driven by specialists to build high-definition maps and validate software before operating without a human driver. To support operations, Waymo is partnering with Element Fleet Management, a Toronto-based company, to handle end-to-end fleet management. The company also highlighted existing relationships with Canadian entities, including the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board as a long-term investor and Magna International as a manufacturing partner. Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana described Canada as "an important milestone in Waymo’s global journey."
Why It Matters
The 2028 target date is contingent on Ontario establishing a commercial framework for driverless services, which currently does not exist. Ontario’s pilot regulation for automated vehicle testing, O. Reg. 306/15, is set to be revoked on October 13, 2027, months before Waymo intends to launch paid rides. Transport Canada has clarified that self-driving vehicles on public roads are limited to "temporary pilot projects" run by provinces, meaning Waymo’s launch depends on the provincial government creating new rules. Additionally, local political pressure is a factor; Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s office has indicated support is conditional on the service not costing jobs, prompting Waymo to emphasize that it will create "hundreds of roles" in maintenance, validation, and customer service. The move also tests Waymo’s "all-weather" claims in a climate with harsh winters, slush, and road salt, similar to its recent expansion into Denver.
The Bottom Line
Waymo is taking a methodical approach to its Canadian entry, prioritizing two years of data collection and fleet setup over an immediate launch. However, the 2028 date remains a goal rather than a guarantee, resting on Ontario’s ability to replace its expiring testing regulations with a commercial licensing framework in time for the launch.
