Waymo LLC, the U.S.-based autonomous vehicle company owned by Alphabet Inc., is preparing to launch its driverless ride-hailing service in Toronto, Canada, with plans to begin passenger operations by 2028. This marks the company’s first expansion into the Canadian market following its established presence in several major cities across the United States and internationally.
The company will start by conducting mapping and safety validation tests with trained human drivers behind the wheel, covering numerous neighbourhoods in Toronto such as St. Lawrence Market, Harbourfront, Liberty Village, Don Mills, and Etobicoke. These initial trials aim to adapt the Waymo Driver technology to the city’s unique driving conditions before transitioning to fully autonomous rides. Waymo has received approval from Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation to participate in the province’s Automated Vehicle Pilot Program and obtained the necessary provincial permits to begin manual driving and testing on public roads. The tests will involve a limited number of all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, with plans to scale up gradually.
Waymo will collaborate with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management to manage fleet operations, including maintenance, validation driving, and customer service, potentially creating hundreds of new jobs in the city. The company’s ties to Canada extend beyond this partnership, as it counts the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board among its early investors and works with Canadian manufacturer Magna International as a key partner in vehicle production.
Despite the company’s enthusiasm, some local experts and industry observers have raised concerns about the introduction of autonomous vehicles in Toronto. Challenges cited include the city’s complex weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall and flooding, which differ significantly from some of Waymo’s existing operational environments. Adam Motaoaukki, co-founder of the Toronto-based advocacy group Technologists for Democracy, expressed reservations about safety risks and increased congestion, emphasizing the difficulties autonomous vehicles might face navigating Toronto’s street infrastructure and winter climate.
Waymo has responded by highlighting its experience operating in cold-weather cities like Denver and Detroit and conducting extensive testing in snowy and icy conditions. However, observers note that Waymo’s entry intersects with existing competition in Toronto’s ride-hailing market, which is dominated by companies such as Uber and Lyft—both investing heavily in autonomous vehicle technologies. Uber Canada’s head of policy and communication, Laura Miller, acknowledged the potential benefits of autonomous vehicles, including increased safety and accessibility, but emphasized the importance of thoughtfully introducing the technology, maintaining safety standards, and preparing for its impact on workers.
Uber maintains that fully driverless taxis are still at least two years away in Ontario and advocates for a mixed model combining human drivers with autonomous vehicles to ensure service reliability and preserve jobs. The two companies have an existing partnership in some U.S. cities, though reports indicate tensions, including disagreements over vehicle availability and operational efficiency during adverse weather.
Ontario has allowed autonomous vehicle testing since 2016, but widespread commercial adoption remains limited. Previous pilot programs, including those by Silicon Valley startups and Magna, have faced technical challenges in Toronto, particularly related to navigating construction zones and other complex urban scenarios. As Waymo moves forward, regulators, industry players, and advocacy groups continue to monitor its progress to balance innovation with public safety and community impact.