Automated Vehicle Pilot Deployment in Toronto Under the Highway Traffic Act

At Ministry of Transportation Ontario's request, City staff submitted comments to help inform Ministry of Transportation Ontario's decision-making regarding Magna's pilot license application. Staff comments did not offer an opinion on the capability of this vehicle's automated navigation but focused on operational-side measures to enhance safety and ensure the City's opportunity to learn from the pilot. Magna's pilot will deploy driverless, three-wheeled automated vehicles to deliver small packages in an area including all of Ward 9 and portions of each of Wards 4, 5, 11 and 12. Each vehicle will have constant human oversight from a 'chase vehicle' with a supervisor capable of immediate intervention, as well as a remote human operator who can assume control during complex scenarios. Important safety measures include maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour, travelling only on roads with a posted limit of 40 kilometres per hour or less, no use of left turns, and adherence to internationally recognized cybersecurity and privacy standards. Magna's pilot will begin in the second quarter of 2025 with a small number of vehicles operating on the city's streets; further Ministry of Transportation Ontario approval will be required prior to allowing more vehicles. Magna envisions up to 20 vehicles during this pilot. Automated vehicle deployments for ridesharing, taxi services, deliveries, and long-haul trucking have steadily increased, predominantly in United States' states such as California, Arizona, Florida and other locations that experience less snow and rain than Ontario. This Magna pilot represents an opportunity for the Province, the operator and the City to gain insights into automated vehicle technology and operations within Toronto's unique urban environment.