Waymo to Launch Self-Driving Taxi Service in Toronto

Waymo, an autonomous driving technology company, has officially announced its expansion into the Canadian market. The company's first location will be the city of Toronto, where it plans to begin offering self-driving taxi services to the public by 2028.

“Entering Canada is a significant milestone in our global expansion journey,” said Waymo CEO Tekedra Mawakana. To support its Toronto operations, Waymo has partnered with Element Fleet Management, a global fleet management company. Element Fleet Management will provide Waymo with comprehensive fleet management services throughout the operational process.

Prior to the official launch, Waymo will collect data on local roads and map the street network. The company will also test its vehicles' performance under real-world traffic conditions. This phase aims to ensure Waymo's autonomous driving system adapts to the road layouts and driving conditions in various parts of Toronto, preparing for the service's public rollout.

The company emphasizes its autonomous system's ability to adapt to different weather conditions and offer new options for Toronto's existing public transit and mobility ecosystem. Waymo states its autonomous system has accumulated over 400 million kilometers of driving. According to the company, the use of this system has resulted in a 95% reduction in severe accidents compared to human drivers in its operating cities.