THIS BUS is being hailed "the bus of the future" after it was announced that it would run entirely on electricity around Reading and Winnersh.

The new bus, which will initially be trialled next week, has been equipped with various "added extras" to make the journey comfortable and productive.

It features LED reading lights, coat hooks, USB ports and wireless phone-charging docks. The bus is also equipped with modern technology to make driving safer, such as replacing mirrors with cameras and a monitor for the driver, increasing the driver's visibility and clarity in all conditions.

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The bus itself, manufactured by ADL buses and Chinese technology manufacturer BYD, contains a full shelf in front of the first raised row of seats towards the rear for reading magazines and wireless phone charging. A table with wireless charging points is included for the first time on a single deck bus and glazed rear panels also give a much more open feeling interior.

Reading Buses chief executive officer Robert Williams said: “We are really looking forward to trialling another all-electric, zero-emissions bus in Reading.

"Whilst we are very happy with, and proud of, our current ultra low-emission gas buses, we are always on the look out for the next big thing – especially for anything to help clean up the air in Reading.

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"By working with a British manufacturer in ADL, not only does the bus have fewer ‘airmiles,’ but it retains the interior quality, including excellent low-floor access, large windows and LED lighting.

"There are no standard mirrors on the exterior of the bus, these have been replaced with cameras (and monitors for the driver). This gives a wider area of visibility to the driver as well as more clarity.

"The cameras maintain good image quality in all conditions, including the dark, and the software removes any distortion from rain drops or dirt on the lens.”

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Mr Williams added: “Whilst Reading Buses doesn’t have any immediate plans to purchase electric vehicles, the trial provides an opportunity to learn about the technology and some of the interior features could be incorporated into any new vehicle order regardless of the fuel.”

The new transport will begin to be trialled on the week starting Monday (November 4) and should begin travelling between Reading and Winnersh Triangle Park and Ride from November 7 and November 9.