Want to be driven around by…no one? Waymo, the popular autonomous ride-hailing service, has plans to launch in Toronto. Don’t get excited yet, though, as you won’t be able to ride until 2028.
The company says it’s laying the groundwork to launch the service in Toronto, and the vehicles will start riding the streets in the coming days, though passengers won’t be accepted for another few years. For now, Waymo will be working on its high-definition mapping of local street networks and testing with trained autonomous specialists behind the wheel. The validation period, says Waymo, will help ensure the Waymo Driver adapts to Toronto’s “distinct driving conditions.” As anyone who lives in the city knows, this means constant heavy traffic.
Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana says the expansion into Canada marks “an important milestone in Waymo’s global journey. Toronto is one of the world’s great cities,” he adds.
To serve Toronto, Waymo is partnering with Element Fleet Management, a Toronto-headquartered intelligent fleet and mobility solutions company that will provide end-to-end fleet management services.
Waymo is also also collaborating with leading accessibility and mobility advocacy organizations, including BALANCE for Blind Adults, CNIB, Community Living Toronto, Connected Canadians, and Epilepsy Ontario, among others.
You can sign up for updates to be among the first to ride once ready at waymo.com/waymo-in-canada.