Alphabet-owned Waymo announces plans to launch its driverless taxi service in Toronto by 2028, marking its first expansion into Canada. Partnering with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management for vehicle upkeep and ground operations, Waymo expects to create hundreds of local jobs. Human-driven mapping begins in October 2026 under Ontario's autonomous vehicle pilot program. While groups like CNIB support the launch for accessible transit, critics express concern over winter weather navigation.
Waymo's Toronto deployment plans
- ▪Alphabet-owned Waymo announced on October 16, 2026, that it plans to launch its autonomous ride-hailing service in Toronto in 2028, marking its first deployment in Canada
- ▪Waymo announced that human drivers will begin detailed road mapping and software testing in Toronto in the days following October 16, 2026
Waymo service locations
- ▪Waymo's Toronto expansion forms part of its global strategy outside the United States, which includes planned expansions to London and Tokyo
- ▪Waymo currently operates commercial robotaxi services in several cities across the United States
Waymo's partnership with Element Fleet Management
- ▪Waymo and Element Fleet Management expect their planned 2028 Toronto robotaxi service to create hundreds of jobs over time in fleet maintenance, test driving, and customer service
- ▪Waymo partnered with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management to manage vehicle maintenance, charging, and ground operations for its Toronto robotaxi fleet
Canadian Waymo partnerships
- ▪Toronto-based Element Fleet Management already provides operational support for Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing service in San Diego
- ▪Canadian pension fund CPP Investments holds a long-term investment in Waymo, while Canadian car parts manufacturer Magna builds Waymo's vehicles
Ontario's autonomous vehicle pilot program
- ▪The Ontario provincial government approved Waymo to participate in a provincial pilot program regulating autonomous vehicle testing
- ▪California-based Gatik operates self-driving box trucks for retailer Loblaw in Toronto under Ontario's provincial autonomous vehicle testing program
Waymo Ojai deployments
- ▪A Waymo Ojai electric autonomous vehicle manufactured by Zeekr traveled through city traffic in Los Angeles, California, on October 15, 2026
- ▪Local politics in New York blocked Waymo's robotaxi deployment, even as Waymo rolled out its cheaper Ojai robotaxi model
Waymo's autonomous safety record
- ▪Waymo reported that its autonomous vehicles have driven more than 400 million kilometers without human drivers
- ▪Waymo stated that its autonomous vehicles experience 95 percent fewer serious injury crashes compared to human drivers in areas where it operates
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