Ontario approves Waymo in Toronto
Mapping, testing to begin under Automated Vehicle Pilot Program
The office of Ontario’s Minister of Transportation contacted Canadian Taxi Association president Marc Andre Way on October 15th to inform him that Waymo has been approved under the Automated Vehicle Pilot Program. The company will begin testing and mapping in advance of offering ridesharing services in Toronto, Taxi News has learned.
Marco Barone, Director of Stakeholder Relations, informed Way that the Automated Vehicle Pilot Program is separate from Northlander Rideshare Pilot project and that the two projects are not linked in any way.
While it was not consulted prior to the October 16th Waymo approval announcement, Barone indicated that the CTA will be included in future stakeholder meetings as the autonomous vehicle pilot project develops.
In a statement from Minister Sarkaria’s office, Director of Communications Dakota Brasier wrote, “As we deliver on our commitment to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, our government is securing the jobs of the future for Ontario workers and attracting investment from around the globe. Waymo’s decision to choose Ontario as its first Canadian partner speaks to our province’s strength as a leading destination for innovation, new technologies and investment. Today’s announcement is consistent with that approach, as the company begins the first step in a phased approach under Ontario’s Automated Vehicle Pilot Program that will prioritize public safety and job creation.
“At this stage, vehicles will be driven by human drivers for mapping and data collection. For Waymo to move beyond this initial phase, it must continue to meet Ontario’s stringent safety and operational requirements and meet its commitments to Ontario workers with a credible jobs plan that sets out projected positions, hiring timelines and other opportunities for Ontario workers and businesses.”
