Edmonton transit users could soon surf wireless Internet while sitting behind shaded windows on air-conditioned city buses.

Legroom wouldn't be a problem, thanks to overhead luggage racks.

These are among the features being tested out by ETS on what's been dubbed the Platinum Bus - transit's first concept vehicle.

Nathan Walters, strategic marketing supervisor for ETS, said some of the goodies could start appearing on new buses as early as this year.

"All the features on the bus are for consideration for future purchases," Walters said.

The hybrid Platinum Bus is outfitted with Wi-Fi Internet access, overhead reading lights, luggage racks, air-conditioning, two television/GPS screens mounted to the ceiling, tinted windows and padded stainless-steel seats.

The fare box accepts so-called "smart cards" and the aisles are lit with LED lighting.

Sponsors covered the cost of the extras.

"One of the frequent questions I've gotten is why is transit wasting money pimping out this bus," said Coun. Don Iveson. "The answer is they haven't spent a whole lot of money on it. It's been primarily the suppliers who've coughed up to put together this demonstration bus."

Walters said the bus isn't running on regular routes but will appear at events and festivals over the coming months for public feedback.

Meanwhile, Edmonton transit users can now Google their bus trips. The city has collaborated with the popular Internet search engine, giving Edmontonians the option of logging onto Google Maps to plot their transit routes and departure times. Go to www.google.com/intl/en/landing/transit/#mdy to try it.