Waymo in Toronto: two thoughts

RE: “Waymo will run screaming from Toronto,” October 16

Dear Rita,

As usual, excellent piece.

Last night City TV referred to Waymo as a taxi company allowed to run around on the streets of Toronto.

As a cab owner FORCED out of work, I demand to know how many of their vehicles have a valid taxi Licence?

If they have it, did they buy it on the open market or the city just gave it to them? 

Andy Réti, Toronto

*****

This comes as no surprise, Toronto being the country’s most populated city.   

Both Waymo and its parent company, Alphabet Inc., have exceedingly deep pockets.  The former has a market capitalization of $126 billion; the latter in excess of $4 trillion.  Yet further proof robotaxis will be plying the streets of major cities around the world in due course, whatever the challenges.  It’s just a matter of time. 

Will the major players enter into arrangements with local taxi brokers, thus gaining access to an established client base, or will they simply offer the service through their own apps?  If the latter, longstanding players, such as Diamond, Co-Op, Beck, City and Crown will face a spot of bother….to say the least.

The face of the Vehicle for Hire industry is in the throes of a major transformation, akin to the introduction of gas-powered cabs by Harry Allen in New York City in 1907.   What would Harry say if he could witness what’s unfolding to-day?

Peter Pellier, Oakville