Robotaxis are heading north of the U.S. border. Electrek reports that Waymo has chosen Toronto as its first Canadian city, that its cars will begin driving the city's streets in the coming days, and that the company wants its first public riders on board in 2028. It is Waymo's fourth announced market outside the United States, after London, Tokyo and Singapore.
There is a catch, according to the report: Ontario does not yet have rules for a commercial driverless service. That means the timetable depends not only on technology but also on legislation and regulatory approval. Autonomous vehicle projects often begin with testing, sometimes with safety drivers, and move to public service only when regulators permit.
Toronto offers a challenging environment. Winter weather, including snow, can complicate sensors and road conditions, and dense urban traffic requires careful behaviour. Success there would show that the technology can handle a wide range of conditions, which is important for expansion to other cities, and the company's other overseas markets will also test it in different driving cultures.
For residents, the immediate effect will be seeing test vehicles on the road. Public acceptance will depend on safety records and on how the service fits with public transport and taxis. The timing is notable because other companies are also planning autonomous services: Stellantis and Rivian have announced hands-free plans, and a Tesla crash involving a driver assistance system has drawn attention this week. Watch for provincial rule-making, the start of testing and early safety data from Toronto.
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