This week’s Transit Highlights showcase innovation, sustainability and community connections across Canadian public transit. Mississauga is welcoming Ontario’s first hydrogen fuel cell transit buses, Montréal is expanding access to virtual OPUS cards, and a BC Transit bus is sharing Indigenous art and culture with communities on Vancouver Island.

Mississauga welcomes Ontario’s first hydrogen fuel cell transit buses

MiWay is beginning to receive 10 new hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, making Mississauga the first municipality in Ontario to integrate the technology into its public transit fleet. Deliveries are expected to continue through April 2027, with the buses anticipated to enter passenger service in early to mid-2027 following inspections and training. The $25.4-million project is part of MiWay’s ongoing efforts to explore lower-emission technologies and transition toward a more sustainable transit fleet.

Virtual OPUS cards expand to Android users in Montréal

The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) has expanded its virtual OPUS card to Android users following testing with approximately 20,000 participants. The digital option allows riders to purchase and validate transit fares using their Android phones through the Chrono app, marking another step in the modernization of fare payment across the Montréal region.

Indigenous artwork transforms BC Transit bus

A BC Transit bus has been transformed with artwork by Songhees First Nation Elder and artist Clarence “Butch” Dick (Yux’wey’lupton). Inspired by a traditional Lekwengen origin story, the design celebrates Indigenous culture, identity, resilience and community connection, turning the bus into a moving piece of public art that shares Lekwengen culture with riders and communities.

Together, these stories highlight the many ways public transit is evolving across Canada. From adopting lower-emission vehicles and modernizing fare payment to creating spaces for Indigenous culture and storytelling, transit systems are investing in technology, sustainability and stronger connections with the communities they serve.