It has been reported that Waymo, the autonomous driving subsidiary of Alphabet, has received approval to participate in Ontario’s autonomous vehicle pilot program, with plans to advance its operations in Toronto, although commercial Robotaxi services have not yet launched. Waymo will initially collect local road data and develop high-definition maps using human-driven vehicles, followed by testing autonomous vehicles on public roads with safety drivers onboard, gradually phasing out the safety driver from the driver’s seat before inviting the public for trial rides.

Toronto will become one of the northernmost cities where Waymo is currently attempting to operate, and winter weather conditions will pose a significant test for its autonomous technology and operational capabilities. Waymo already provides Robotaxi services in 15 U.S. cities and is conducting tests in London and Tokyo. The company has partnered with Element Fleet Management, a local fleet management firm in Toronto, and expects to support hundreds of positions across fleet maintenance, validation driving, customer service, and operations.