Waymo, the self-driving car unit of Google parent company Alphabet (GOOGL), is planning to test its self-driving robotaxis on Toronto streets.
The testing phase of the driverless vehicles will begin in October of this year with plans to add passengers from the general public in 2028.
Silicon Valley-based Alphabet said in a statement that the Ontario government has given it approval to take part in a pilot program that regulates testing of self-driving vehicles.
The first phase of the pilot program will include high-definition street mapping and test runs of the robotaxis with a driver behind the wheel.
Skeptics of the technology say self-driving vehicles struggle to handle more complicated environments, including heavy traffic and bad weather.
There are also concerns about how robotaxis and other self-driving vehicles will perform in northern climates where temperatures are below freezing and there is ice and snow on roads.
However, Waymo CEO Tekedra Mawakana said in the statement that the company is committed to safer streets and more accessible mobility for people.
Beyond Waymo, California-based Gatik has begun to test about 50 of its self-driving trucks on Toronto streets.
GOOGL stock has gained 39% over the last 12 months to trade at $349.22 U.S. per share.
Tech Insider
