{
  "id": 14949300,
  "title": "Waymo to launch robotaxis in Toronto under pilot program for self-driving vehicles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/waymo-to-launch-robotaxis-in-toronto-under-pilot-program-for-self-14949300",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T12:15:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news-globalnews",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12105000/waymo-robotaxis-toronto/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Self-driving taxi company Waymo plans to launch a pilot program for robotaxis in Toronto, with the first passengers expected to travel in 2028. The California-based firm has received approval from the Ontario government to participate in a provincial test phase for autonomous cars. This initial stage will involve high-definition street mapping and vehicle trials, commencing this fall. Waymo, an Alphabet Inc. subsidiary, asserts its commitment to enhancing road safety and expanding mobility options. To support the Canadian launch, Waymo is collaborating with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management, which will handle maintenance, customer service, and other operational aspects. The distinctive white crossover SUVs characteristic of Waymo's fleet will not be the first autonomous vehicles to ply Toronto's streets; earlier this year, California-based Gatik began deploying 50 self-driving box trucks for Loblaw in the city.",
  "summary": "Self-driving taxi operator Waymo says it will launch a test phase in Toronto in the coming days, with the goal of carrying its first passengers in 2028.",
  "key_points": [
    "Waymo to start robotaxi pilot in Toronto in 2028",
    "Ontario government approves test phase for autonomous cars",
    "Element Fleet Management to handle maintenance and operations"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Waymo to launch robotaxis in Toronto under pilot program for self-driving vehicles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/waymo-to-launch-robotaxis-in-toronto-under-pilot-program-for-self",
        "published": "2026-10-16T10:46:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Google's Waymo plans first Canada robotaxi service in Toronto in 2028",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/googles-waymo-plans-first-canada-robotaxi-service-in-toronto-in-2028",
        "published": "2026-10-16T10:54:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Global News",
        "title": "Waymo to launch robotaxis in Toronto under pilot program for self-driving vehicles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/waymo-to-launch-robotaxis-in-toronto-under-pilot-program-for-self-14954452",
        "published": "2026-10-16T12:15:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}