Waymo plans Toronto testing ahead of 2028 rider target

Waymo plans to begin mapping Toronto streets and testing its vehicles with people behind the wheel in the coming days, as it prepares for a possible robotaxi service in the city in 2028. The company’s target would mark its first planned deployment in Canada, but its announcement does not establish approval for paid, driverless rides. Waymo says trained specialists will initially drive the vehicles while collecting information to build high-definition maps and test how its software performs on local roads. The company has described the work as groundwork for its autonomous ride-hailing service, with public riders targeted for 2028. The timing is a company plan, not confirmation that commercial service will begin then. Ontario has approved Waymo to participate in the province’s autonomous-vehicle testing pilot, according to reporting by The Canadian Press. The pilot permits testing, but the available information does not establish a separate commercial framework authorizing paid driverless rides. The province’s automated-vehicle pilot regulation is scheduled to be revoked on October 13, 2027, according to Ontario’s eLaws database, leaving its status after that date relevant to...