Hello Toronto – Waymo Is En Route

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company, is set to expand its services to Toronto, Canada. The company intends to launch a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in the city, with the first riders expected by 2028. To prepare for this expansion, Waymo is investing in local infrastructure and creating jobs, with an anticipated workforce of hundreds.

Initially, Waymo vehicles will be driven manually on Toronto's streets as the company conducts rigorous safety tests. This phased approach, prioritizing safety, involves mapping Toronto's road network with high-definition precision and having trained specialists behind the wheel. Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo, highlighted Toronto's innovative and forward-thinking nature as an ideal location for their autonomous vehicle service.

Element Fleet Management, a Toronto-based company specializing in intelligent fleet and mobility solutions, will manage the fleet operations for Waymo in the city. This partnership aims to create numerous job opportunities in fleet maintenance, validation driving, and customer service. Toronto's evolving mobility demands and robust transportation ecosystem, including bike lanes and public transit, make it an ideal location for Waymo's all-weather Driver.

The company's extensive testing across over 400 million autonomous kilometers has shown a significant reduction in serious injury crashes compared to human drivers. Waymo is committed to accessibility and has partnered with various organizations supporting individuals with disabilities. The company invites residents and visitors to sign up for updates on their Toronto launch via waymo.com/waymo-in-canada.