Alphabet’s autonomous driving company partners with Element Fleet Management as it prepares to introduce driverless ride-hailing services in Canada.
Waymo, the self-driving vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet, plans to launch its autonomous ride-hailing service in Toronto in 2028, marking its first planned deployment in Canada as the company expands its international operations.
According to Reuters, Waymo will partner with Element Fleet Management to support fleet operations in Toronto. The company will begin preparations in Canada’s largest city, including mapping activities and engagement with local authorities, ahead of the planned rollout of its Waymo Driver technology.
Waymo also expects to create hundreds of jobs over time in areas such as fleet maintenance, validation driving, customer service and other operational functions.
The Toronto expansion forms part of Waymo’s broader international growth strategy, which includes planned operations in London and Tokyo. The company already operates commercial robotaxi services in several US cities.
The planned launch highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technology in the transportation industry. However, Waymo’s Toronto service remains a future deployment, with preparatory work expected to take place ahead of the targeted 2028 launch.
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