TORONTO, Ontario — Charles Bombardier, who has designed a robotic hockey referee, a tugboat that creates waves for surfing competitions, and magnet-propelled rollercoaster in which riders hurtle above the track in a metal sphere, has reinvented the bus for the Toronto Transit Commission, according to a BBC report.
Toronto’s Globe & Mail publishes many of his ideas in its “Prototypes” section, and it was that publication that asked him to develop a new design for the TTC's buses, the report said.
The Xoupir (pronounced "super") is a fully-electric bus powered by wireless electricity, with four rear wheels to provide extra traction.
The roof of the Xoupir is covered with flexible solar panels to power the communication systems, while the top shell also acts as a cooling unit by using the natural airflow and embedded linear radiators to cool the passengers, according to Bombardier's website.
Other design innovations include smartglass tinted windows; free WiMAX ultra-high speed Internet access; OLED screens located inside and outside of the vehicle featuring ads that change based on the preferences of users who are looking at them; and the ability to pay fares wirelessly via smartphone, credit card or by thumbprint.
The Xoupir is a series of ideas that could be implemented in today’s bus or even in every city’s mass transit network. I really like the idea of silent and non-polluting electric buses that can be powered and recharged wirelessly. I also like the idea of being able to hop on any bus in the world without having to carry a wallet (Paying with biometrics). - Bombardier says.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.
