What happened
On 16 October, Waymo said it had received approval to take part in Ontario's automated vehicle pilot programme, TechCrunch reported. This is the Alphabet unit's first step into Canada.
The approval does not yet allow a commercial robotaxi service. Waymo is following its usual approach for new cities. First, vehicles will be driven manually in Toronto to build high-definition maps. Next, autonomous testing will take place on public roads with a human safety operator on board. Driverless operation comes after that, and only then will the public be invited to ride.
Operating model
Waymo has partnered with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management to run the local fleet, in line with its recent use of third-party fleet operators. The company said it expects to support hundreds of jobs in fleet maintenance, validation driving, customer service and operations. Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana called the move an important milestone in the company's global expansion, TechCrunch reported.
Wider context
According to TechCrunch, Waymo now runs robotaxi services in 15 US cities and is testing in London and Tokyo. Toronto will be its most northerly market so far, and its harsh winters will test the technology in new conditions.
Why it matters financially
A regulatory foothold in Canada widens the set of markets where Waymo can eventually earn ride-hailing revenue, and it sets a precedent for provincial approvals elsewhere in Canada. The local fleet partnership means much of the operating cost sits with a partner. No investment figures or timetable for commercial launch were given in the report.