Are these driverless electric buses the future of commuter transport?
- 7 years ago
MONTREAL — A concept driverless bus could one day help Canadian commuters get from point A to B, just like a normal coach.
The driverless bus, named Toboxi, uses silent electric motors, according to a Globe and Mail article written by Charles Bombardier, one of the engineers behind the project.
The motors would be powered by batteries that get energy from power transfer switches fixed to the road.
Passengers would be able to order a ride from their phone or hail a passing Toboxi, after first registering with their details and photo. This, Bombardier writes, helps the vehicle recognize their face. The bus then computes the best route for the passenger’s destination, factoring in other options from the local transportation network.
The vehicle can ferry a maximum of 12 passengers, including 2 wheelchairs. It has angled walls so people can half sit or lean during their journey.
Bombardier notes that the concept was designed by industrial designer Ashish Thulkar. Inventor Nicolas Lentendre, who is also working on a new electric bus design at Letanda.com, also aided in developing the concept.
The driverless bus, named Toboxi, uses silent electric motors, according to a Globe and Mail article written by Charles Bombardier, one of the engineers behind the project.
The motors would be powered by batteries that get energy from power transfer switches fixed to the road.
Passengers would be able to order a ride from their phone or hail a passing Toboxi, after first registering with their details and photo. This, Bombardier writes, helps the vehicle recognize their face. The bus then computes the best route for the passenger’s destination, factoring in other options from the local transportation network.
The vehicle can ferry a maximum of 12 passengers, including 2 wheelchairs. It has angled walls so people can half sit or lean during their journey.
Bombardier notes that the concept was designed by industrial designer Ashish Thulkar. Inventor Nicolas Lentendre, who is also working on a new electric bus design at Letanda.com, also aided in developing the concept.