Self-driving Waymo taxis will hit Toronto streets sooner than you think

Waymo’s self-driving cars will soon arrive in Toronto, as the fully autonomous ride-hailing service has confirmed that it will begin testing to bring its driverless rideshare model to the Canadian market ahead of a 2028 launch.

Waymo’s upcoming arrival on Toronto’s streets was first hinted at back in 2025, when lobbyists for the company pitched City Hall on the technology. The California-based tech company confirmed the months of whispers on Friday morning, announcing that vehicle test runs will begin mapping local streets, paving the way for the official launch to riders in 2028.

“In the coming days, you’ll start to see Waymo vehicles on the streets of Toronto as we begin driving,” states a press release from Waymo.

The company explained that it will be “taking a rigorous, phased, safety-first approach starting with high-definition mapping of local street networks and testing with trained autonomous specialists behind the wheel” before the cars can go driverless.

Waymo states this approach “will ensure the Waymo Driver adapts seamlessly to Toronto’s distinct driving conditions,” like snow, streetcars stopping in mixed traffic and cyclists zipping past moving cars.

“Expanding into Canada marks an important milestone in Waymo’s global journey,” said Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana.

“Toronto is one of the world’s great cities — innovative, diverse, and forward-looking. We’re proud to bring the Waymo Driver to Canada’s largest city and to partner with the vibrant business, arts and cultural communities that share our commitment to safer streets and more accessible mobility.”

And despite the lack of drivers, Waymo promises that its entry into the Canadian market will support local employment. Toronto-based Element Fleet Management has partnered with Waymo for its fleet management services, and says that it plans to invest in hundreds of local jobs supporting the driverless service.

“As a Canadian company, we are proud to be expanding our partnership with Waymo to help bring autonomous ride- hailing to Toronto,” said Laura Dottori-Attanasio, Chief Executive Officer, Element Fleet Management.

“Together with Waymo, Element will help create employment opportunities providing the fleet expertise, operational capabilities, and intelligent mobility solutions needed to support autonomous fleets reliably and at scale”

Waymo has created a website where the company will share further updates about its Canadian rollout.

Header image credit: Waymo