Waymo Targets Toronto for 2028 Robotaxi Service

Waymo designates Toronto as its first Canadian market for robotaxis, targeting public riders by 2028 — but requires new Ontario regulations before winter hits.

Waymo has designated Toronto as its first Canadian city for robotaxis, with plans to launch public riders in the city by 2028. This move hinges on Ontario establishing commercial driverless vehicle regulations before October 2027, as the province’s current testing framework expires that date. Waymo will operate vehicles manually initially for mapping and validation before full autonomy, partnering with Element Fleet Management for end-to-end fleet management and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board for long-term funding. The company claims 95% fewer serious crashes and 841 injuries prevented in US operations, though these safety metrics lack Canadian data. Toronto’s mayor has also signaled job concerns if the service costs employment, adding friction to the rollout.

The mechanism for potential cost reduction relies on Waymo’s scale — currently carrying over 500,000 paid rides weekly in the US — and its partnership with Magna International for manufacturing. If Ontario adopts new regulations by late 2027, Waymo could scale Toronto operations faster than other Canadian cities. However, the service’s all-weather claim faces significant doubt in Toronto’s winter conditions, including slush, road salt, and freezing rain. This could delay or limit the 2028 target.

If realized, this could lower urban transportation costs for residents by shifting to automated services, reducing reliance on personal vehicles. But the 2028 timeline is conditional on Ontario’s regulatory shift and overcoming winter operational challenges. The source provides no Canadian operational data, so real-world impact remains unverified until the service launches.

Source: Electrek