The key facts

  • Waymo approved to participate in Ontario's autonomous vehicle pilot program
  • First manual mapping drives in Toronto, then testing with a safety operator
  • Partner is Element Fleet Management; the company operates in 15 US cities and is testing in London and Tokyo

Waymo Gets Clearance in Ontario

Alphabet's autonomous vehicle division Waymo is expanding into Canada after receiving permission to participate in the province of Ontario's autonomous vehicle pilot program. There is no talk yet of launching a commercial robotaxi service.

Phased Launch Plan

The company's blog said on Friday that first the driverless cars will drive around Toronto under manual control to build highly accurate maps of the street network. Then will come testing on public roads with a human safety operator on board. Later the operators will be removed from behind the wheel, and the company will invite the public to use the robotaxis. Waymo notes that it uses the same entry scenario in every new city.

Accelerated Expansion

Two years ago Waymo operated in only three commercial markets, and its cars had not yet driven on highways. The expansion began in March 2025 with Austin, followed by Atlanta. The service now operates in 15 US cities, and testing is underway in London and Tokyo. Co-founder and co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana called the entry into Canada an important milestone in the company's global journey.

Winter Conditions and Partnership

Toronto is the northernmost and probably the most wintry city where Waymo has attempted to operate: these conditions will become a test of the technology and operational readiness. As part of its accelerated expansion strategy, the company brings in third-party partners for fleet management: in Toronto this will be the local Element Fleet Management. Waymo expects to create hundreds of jobs in fleet maintenance, validation driving, customer service, and operations.