METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Designer envisions 'magic' electric bus for TTC

The Xoupir (pronounced "super") is a fully-electric bus powered by wireless electricity, with four rear wheels to provide extra traction.

June 4, 2015
Designer envisions 'magic' electric bus for TTC

Photo courtesy: Charles Bombardier

2 min to read


Photo courtesy: Charles Bombardier

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.

Ad Loading...

For the full story, click here.

Photo courtesy: Charles Bombardier

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.

Photo courtesy: Charles Bombardier

More Bus

An OCTA ZEB
Technologyby Alex RomanJuly 31, 2026

Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Driving Change: Award Winners Redefine Industry Standards
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners

Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence

Read More →
A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 24, 2026

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
LA Metro at State of the Agency event.
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 23, 2026

LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year

Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.

Read More →
Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., named President/CEO at DART
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 22, 2026

DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO

Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority

Read More →
Maintenance Leadership for a Changing Industry
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 22, 2026

AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders

The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
TechnologyJuly 20, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology

In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.

Read More →
Crowd waiting for LA Metro bus
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 15, 2026

June LA Metro Ridership Surges 2 Million Year Over Year

Total June ridership increased for both weekdays and weekends. Weekday ridership was 953,820, which grew 8.4% from June 2025; Saturdays increased nearly 13% year-over-year to 708,826; and Sundays increased 7.7% to 611,534 from June 2025, according to LA Metro. 

Read More →
Pierce Transit Measure Heads to November Ballot
Managementby StaffJuly 14, 2026

Washington's Pierce Transit Board Sends Transit Funding Measure to November Ballot

With the adoption of Resolution 2026-006, the measure moves to the Pierce County Auditor, giving voters in the Pierce Transit service area the decision on whether to fund an expansion of local transit service within the agency’s service area.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
MTA, State and City Leadership Unveil Plan to Build the Fastest, Best Bus System in NYC History
Busby Staff and News ReportsJuly 9, 2026

New York Unveils Sweeping Plan to Modernize City Bus Service

Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service identifies 50 priority bus corridors for improvements across the five boroughs and launches the City’s next generation of rapid bus service along five key routes.

Read More →