Key facts
- Waymo received approval to join Ontario's automated vehicle pilot program.
- The company will begin by manually mapping Toronto streets.
- Testing with safety operators will precede public robotaxi rides.
- Element Fleet Management is Waymo's partner for fleet operations in Toronto.
Alphabet's self-driving car unit, Waymo, is expanding into Canada after receiving approval to participate in Ontario's automated vehicle pilot program. The company plans a phased rollout, starting with manual mapping of Toronto streets. This will be followed by testing on public roads with a human safety operator on board, before eventually opening the service to the public. This expansion is part of Waymo's aggressive push into new markets, with services already in 15 U.S. cities and testing underway in London and Tokyo. Waymo has partnered with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management to support hundreds of jobs related to fleet maintenance, validation driving, customer service, and operations.