Waymo to Launch Driverless Rides in Toronto by 2028

Waymo is preparing to bring self-driving ride-hailing to Toronto, with an initial passenger launch targeted for 2028. Waymo said the initial phase will involve high-definition mapping and a gradual validation process led by trained specialists. The work will help Waymo adapt the autonomous driving system to Toronto's road layouts and weather conditions before launching fully driverless rides. Snow, ice and reduced visibility could challenge the technology during Toronto's harsh winters.

Waymo has partnered with Element Fleet Management to oversee fleet operations in Toronto. The partnership could support local hiring over time in vehicle maintenance, validation driving and customer support. Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana described Canada as an important next step in Waymo's international growth.

The expansion builds on Waymo's existing relationships with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, a long-term investor, and Magna International, a manufacturing partner. Waymo said Waymo is working with regional accessibility and mobility organizations, including BALANCE for Blind Adults, CNIB, Community Living Toronto, Connected Canadians and Epilepsy Ontario. Michelle McQuigge, CEO of BALANCE for Blind Adults, said autonomous transportation could expand mobility options for people with disabilities. McQuigge said innovation that removes barriers to independence is central to the organization's work.

The Toronto expansion adds to Waymo's efforts to expand commercial service beyond established U.S. markets. Waymo is also preparing for international operations in Japan and Singapore. Waymo has set a target of reaching 1 million paid rides per week by the end of this year.

Earlier this month, Waymo increased the company's inaugural private debt raise to $5 billion while expanding robotaxi operations in more U.S. cities. Waymo raised $16 billion in a new funding round in February. Waymo's valuation hovered around $126 billion, more than tripling from roughly $45 billion in 2024. The funding round is one of the largest private investment rounds ever for an autonomous vehicle business. The valuation reflects growing investor confidence in commercial autonomous vehicle services.

Waymo began as a Google project in 2009 and became an independent Alphabet company in 2016. Waymo remains one of the most established U.S. providers of fully driverless paid robotaxi services. Amazon-backed Zoox has joined the commercial robotaxi market. Tesla maintains a presence in Texas, Florida and the San Francisco Bay Area. Tesla operates with a required safety driver in the San Francisco Bay Area.