Waymo launches Toronto robotaxi pilot with human drivers until 2028

Waymo will begin a robotaxi pilot in Toronto next month, but vehicles will operate with human drivers until at least 2028, BetaKit reported. The phased approach marks the company’s first expansion into a new international market, following years of testing and commercial operations in select cities.

The decision to retain safety drivers reflects the regulatory and technical hurdles of deploying fully autonomous vehicles in unfamiliar environments. Toronto’s dense urban landscape and seasonal conditions present distinct challenges compared to Waymo’s existing service areas. The company has not disclosed how many vehicles will participate or whether the pilot will include paid rides, but it confirmed plans to eventually serve riders autonomously.

Waymo’s move comes as some competitors have faced setbacks amid safety concerns and heightened scrutiny. The Toronto pilot could test whether the company can adapt its technology to a market with different oversight and infrastructure. Earlier this month, a major airport tapped a robotics startup for a pilot program, highlighting growing investor interest in real-world autonomy applications—though Waymo’s timeline suggests a more gradual rollout.

For Toronto’s tech ecosystem, the pilot adds momentum to its emerging mobility sector. The city has seen recent activity in AI-powered logistics and enterprise software, but Waymo’s entry is the first major autonomous ride-hail initiative. Whether the company can transition to driverless operations by 2028 may depend on local partnerships and regulatory progress. Observers will watch for updates on ridership demand and any adjustments to the timeline.

Sources: betakit.com