E-commerce behemoth Amazon has patented an innovative new delivery system, enabling users to access lockers on-board public buses for quick mobile collection.

Spotted by The Mercury News, the patent features several secured lockers/containers which are enclosed within or affixed to public buses.

Users are notified when a bus with their package is closest to them, forgoing the need to travel to pickup locations.

For added security, recipients will be given an authorisation code to get inside the storage locker.

The code is set to be typed into a touchscreen device or keypad, with reports suggesting the inclusion of facial recognition or a fingerprint reader.

Similar to self-serve supermarket terminals, the lockers could sell stamps or envelopes, offering the functionality to ship packages on-board too.

If the machine is capable of accepting funds, Amazon asserts users may be given the option to pay for their purchase on retrieval.

For added security, the system may feature sensors to detect banned substances or hazardous materials.

The news comes as Amazon continues to explore innovative delivery options, following reports it’s also testing a ‘robotic courier’ in Washington, USA.