Waymo Wins Approval to Join Ontario Automated Vehicle Pilot

Ontario approved Waymo to participate in its Automated Vehicle Pilot Program, advancing the Alphabet unit’s plans for robotaxi testing in Toronto. Commercial rides have not begun in the city.

Waymo plans to have people drive its vehicles through Toronto to create street maps. Public-road trials would follow, with a human safety operator riding in the vehicle.

The company has partnered with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management to manage its fleet in the city. Waymo expects the effort to support hundreds of jobs in vehicle maintenance, validation driving, customer service and operations.

Waymo operates robotaxi services in 15 U.S. cities and is testing vehicles in London and Tokyo. It targets 2028 for its first Toronto passenger rides, as outlined in its Toronto service plan.