Waymo Gets Approval to Test Robotaxis in Toronto

Alphabet’s self-driving car division, Waymo, is preparing to expand into Canada. The company has received approval to join Ontario’s automated vehicle testing program. The first tests will take place in Toronto. However, residents will not yet be able to use Waymo robotaxis as a commercial service.

Waymo will first use human-driven vehicles to create accurate digital maps of local streets. It will then begin testing self-driving vehicles on public roads, with a safety operator seated inside. In the next phase, the vehicles will be tested without an operator in the driver’s seat. Robotaxi rides will be opened to residents only after that.

The expansion into Canada is part of Waymo’s accelerating global expansion plan. 2 years ago, the company’s commercial service operated in only 3 markets, and its robotaxis did not travel on highways. The expansion began in Austin in March 2025, followed by Atlanta. Waymo currently provides robotaxi service in 15 US cities. Tests are also underway in London and Tokyo.

Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana called the expansion into Canada an important step in the company’s global plans. Toronto is the northernmost city where Waymo has attempted to operate robotaxis to date. The city’s harsh winter conditions could pose a serious test for the company. Local weather and road conditions will test both the self-driving system and the service’s winter readiness.

Waymo manages its vehicle fleets in new cities together with local partners. The company has partnered with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management. The parties expect hundreds of jobs to be created in maintenance, test drives, customer service and daily operations. The launch date for the commercial service has not yet been announced.