Waymo, the self-driving unit of Alphabet, plans to bring its driverless ride-hailing service to Toronto in 2028, in what would be its first deployment in Canada and its latest expansion beyond the United States.
The company said it will partner with Element Fleet Management for fleet operations in Toronto, and will begin groundwork in Canada's largest city, including mapping and engagement with local authorities, as it prepares for a future deployment of the Waymo Driver. Waymo also said it plans to create hundreds of jobs over time in fleet maintenance, validation driving, customer service and other operations roles.
Element said the Toronto launch, expected in 2028, builds on a multi-year partnership under which it began supporting Waymo's autonomous mobility operations in San Diego in June. Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said Toronto was "one of the world's great cities — innovative, diverse, and forward-looking."
The plan remains subject to regulatory approvals and further technical preparation. Waymo already operates commercial robotaxi services in several US cities and is expanding to markets including London and Tokyo.