Toronto is set to begin testing driverless taxis as part of the city’s plan to introduce an autonomous ride-hailing service by 2028. The initial phase of testing will involve deploying self-driving vehicles supplied by Waymo, a California-based company owned by Alphabet, the parent company of Google.

This move positions Toronto at the forefront of integrating autonomous technology into urban transportation systems in Canada. The rollout aims to provide a new mode of passenger transit, reducing reliance on human drivers and potentially reshaping the future of ride-hailing services.

Waymo’s involvement brings its extensive experience in self-driving technology to the project, as the company already operates autonomous ride-hailing services in several U.S. cities. The collaboration reflects Toronto’s commitment to advancing smart mobility solutions and embracing innovation in its transit infrastructure.

The testing phase, set to begin prior to the full deployment in 2028, will allow city officials and Waymo to assess the performance, safety, and public acceptance of driverless taxis under real-world conditions. Authorities emphasize the importance of thorough evaluation before expanding the service to ensure safety standards are met.

If successful, Toronto’s adoption of autonomous taxis could signal wider acceptance of driverless vehicles across Canadian cities, potentially transforming urban transportation through increased efficiency and accessibility. The initiative also aligns with broader trends toward automation and digital technology in mobility worldwide.