Waymo to launch robotaxi service in Canada

 

 

Waymo, a leader in robotaxi technology, is aiming to launch its robotaxi service in Canada. The American company, which is currently operating successfully in select cities in the US, has begun discussions with officials to expand its service to larger Canadian cities. The company has hired representatives and lobbyists to help change Canada's legal framework. Waymo is a subsidiary of Google's parent company Alphabet.

A Waymo spokesperson said they have goals to bring a driverless taxi service to Canada. However, Waymo's robotaxi are unlikely to start operating in Canada anytime soon. Currently, provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario have legal restrictions on the operation of driverless vehicles on public roads. Transport Canada also does not allow the general sale or import of fully automated vehicles. Canada's challenging weather, including snow and ice, is also a factor. Therefore, Waymo will need to clear multiple legal hurdles at the provincial and federal levels before launching service in Canada.