Self-Driving Cars Are Heading for Toronto Streets
Toronto just reached a big milestone on the road to driverless rides. Waymo is the self-driving taxi company owned by Google’s parent, Alphabet. On Friday, Oct. 16, it announced that it’s officially coming to Canada, starting right here. So you may spot its white vehicles around the city in the coming days. The goal is to welcome the first riders in 2028.
What Happens Before You Can Hail One?
Mapping Comes First
Don’t expect empty driver’s seats just yet. Waymo says it’s taking a phased, safety-first approach. First comes high-definition mapping of local streets, then testing with trained specialists behind the wheel. Ontario has also approved the company for its automated vehicle pilot program. That program sets the rules for testing on public roads.
A Toronto Partner and Local Jobs
Waymo is teaming up with Toronto-headquartered Element Fleet Management. Element will handle fleet maintenance, customer service and other support. Plus, the companies say they’ll add hundreds of roles over time, from validation driving to operations.
The Winter Question
Our winters will be a real test. Experts told CBC News that snow can block cameras and sensors. They also said it’ll take time and more training data for the cars to adjust. Still, Waymo describes its system, the Waymo Driver, as all-weather. It points to more than 400 million fully autonomous kilometres driven in the cities where it already operates.
Safety Stays Front and Centre
Mayor Olivia Chow has said her biggest concern is keeping Torontonians safe. She also wants autonomous vehicles held to the highest standards, but she notes that the rules come from the province, not the city. Earlier this year, her office also said any move toward autonomous vehicles must not put people out of work. Meanwhile, Waymo says it’s working with accessibility groups, including CNIB and BALANCE for Blind Adults, as it prepares.
Your Turn: Would You Ride in a Driverless Taxi?
Would you hop into a car with no one behind the wheel? Or would you rather keep a human driver up front? Tell us in the comments, and keep an eye out for those white vehicles around town. Then watch the reel to the end, too: name the spot in the comments to enter our next giveaway.
Watch the reel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DemLiazxmdG/