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 beginning of the final BRT segment advances construction across all five segments, reflecting steady progress toward shorter travel times, improved accessibility, and a more dependable connection to jobs, businesses, and community destinations.
The visit is part of the SF Fed's ongoing engagement with major employers and industries across Southern California and, more broadly, the western U.S. to better understand regional economic conditions and business outlooks.
Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.
Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.
The new network reflects extensive input from riders and the community through Reimagine DART on what matters most in public transit — and those priorities are reflected in the changes ahead.
