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.
Originally introduced in 2023 as the Bus Line Redesign, the effort has evolved into a more targeted update that maintains familiar routes while improving reliability, frequency, evening and weekend service, and connections across Allegheny County.
S3 will connect communities along SR 522 with fast, reliable, battery-electric bus service from Shoreline South Station to Bothell via Kenmore and Lake Forest Park.
The configuration uses Ster Seating's Gemini seat platform to create a family-friendly floor layout specifically engineered to accommodate parents traveling with young children.
The Renton Transit Center project will relocate and rebuild the Renton Transit Center to better serve the regional Stride S1 line, local King County Metro services, and the future RapidRide I Line.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, NCTD, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
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.
