Anthropic Waymo plans to bring its autonomous ride-hailing service to Toronto in 2028.
The move would mark the Alphabet-owned company’s first planned robotaxi service in Canada and expand its operations beyond the United States.
The company is starting with preparation, not passenger rides. Waymo says its vehicles will first drive manually to map Toronto streets.
Trained specialists will then test the self-driving system behind the wheel. The company says this phased approach will help the Waymo Driver adapt to local roads and conditions.
Waymo has partnered with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management to support its planned service. Element will coordinate fleet operations, including vehicle maintenance, charging and readiness.
Together, the companies expect to create hundreds of jobs over time. Roles may include maintenance, test driving, customer service and other operations work.
How a robotaxi learns to operate in a city
A robotaxi combines sensors, onboard computing and software to understand its surroundings and make driving decisions.
It must detect road users, interpret traffic signals and respond to changing conditions.
Before a company can offer rides, it needs to test how its system handles the streets where it plans to operate.
That is why mapping and local testing matter. A detailed map can help the vehicle understand road layouts and fixed features.
However, the car must still respond to temporary changes, such as construction, traffic and weather.
Waymo says its Toronto testing will help validate the system against the city’s particular driving conditions.
The fleet partnership also addresses the work behind a ride-hailing service. Vehicles need charging, cleaning, inspection and repairs.
In addition, staff must support riders and monitor operations. Element’s role will be to coordinate those local services as Waymo prepares its fleet.
Testing permission is not a commercial launch
Ontario allows automated-vehicle testing through a provincial pilot program. The program includes rules for driver-supervised and some driverless tests.
Participants must meet safety and reporting requirements. They must also coordinate with relevant local authorities.
Waymo says it has received provincial approval to begin manual driving and testing. The company has not yet started offering commercial rides in Toronto.
It says it will continue working with regulators to secure the permits required for each stage. Therefore, its 2028 date remains a goal, not a confirmed launch date.
Ontario’s pilot program sets out testing conditions, while Waymo’s Toronto page says the company is still preparing and testing.
The announcement puts Toronto on Waymo’s international expansion map alongside planned markets such as London and Tokyo.
Still, a city launch depends on more than the technology. The company must complete testing, satisfy regulators and build reliable local operations.
If it meets those steps, Toronto could become the first Canadian city where riders can book a fully autonomous Waymo trip.
