TOMORROW a new electric bus is being trialled in Reading.
From Thursday, November 7 until Saturday, November 9 the electric bus will operate as part of the Winnersh Triangle Park and Ride.
The full-electric bus is designed for customer comfort. There are mobile phone pods on the back of every seat. These incorporate wireless charging, USB ports, a coat hook and a reading light.
A full shelf is provided 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.
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 lookout for the next big thing – especially for anything to help clean up the air in Reading.
“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 raindrops or dirt on the lens.”
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.”
Customers have been invited to give feedback about the bus using an online survey which can be found on the company’s website www.reading-buses.co.uk
