Alphabet’s self-driving car unit, Waymo, has received approval to participate in Ontario’s automated vehicle pilot program, officially expanding its operations into Canada. The company announced the development in a blog post on Friday, confirming that its self-driving vehicles will initially be manually driven in Toronto to create high-definition maps of the local street network.
This move represents the latest step in Waymo’s aggressive global expansion strategy. The company follows a consistent playbook for entering new markets, gradually proceeding from manual mapping to testing, and eventually operating a commercial service. While the company is not launching a robotaxi service immediately, the approval allows it to begin the foundational work required for future operations.
Phased Testing in Toronto
According to the company, the initial phase involves manual driving to map Toronto’s streets. Following this, Waymo plans to test its autonomous vehicles on public roads with a human safety operator on board. These operators will eventually be removed from the driver’s seat, after which the company intends to invite the public to take rides in its robotaxis.
Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo’s co-CEO, stated that the expansion into Canada marks an important milestone in the company’s global journey. She noted that Toronto is likely the northernmost and possibly the most wintry city where Waymo has attempted to operate. These specific conditions will serve as a test for the company’s autonomous vehicle technology and operational capabilities.
Fleet Management and Job Creation
As part of its accelerated expansion strategy, Waymo has begun partnering with third-party companies to manage its fleet in each new city. For Toronto, the company has partnered with Element Fleet Management, a Toronto-based firm. Waymo expects this partnership to support hundreds of jobs in areas such as fleet maintenance, validation driving, customer service, and operations.
The company’s growth has been rapid in recent years. Two years ago, Waymo operated in only three commercial markets, and its robotaxis were not yet driving on freeways. Its expansion plans gained momentum in March 2025 with deployments in Austin and later in Atlanta. Today, the company operates robotaxi services in 15 U.S. cities and is also testing them in London and Tokyo.
The entry into Ontario adds another layer to Waymo’s international presence, bringing its automated vehicle testing to a new jurisdiction with distinct weather patterns and urban infrastructure. The company’s focus remains on methodical preparation, ensuring that mapping and safety protocols are established before public rides begin.
Source: TechCrunch
