Metro Magazine

APR 2013

Magazine serving the bus and rail transit & motorcoach operations since 1904

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Next-Generation Transit Seating Employs Economical Advances Looking forward toward increased sustainability, manufacturers are focusing on preserving the lifespan of vehicle seats while reducing weight and adding features to increase flexibility and safety. BY BRITTNI RUBIN, Assistant Editor e conomical advancements are an essential part of the next generation of transportation seating products. A longer lifespan, bus layout flexibility, lightweight solutions and safety are just a few of the features manufacturers are prioritizing in response to the greater need for longterm sustainability. LIFECYCLE COST CONSIDERATIONS With limited budgets and growing industry environmental consciousness, transit agencies place a large importance on seat durability. Te goal is to save resources by replacing seats as infrequently as possible, and more companies on the market are fnding ways to preserve lifespan. Vandalism is a major industry concern and the single biggest cause of repair, according to Kimberly Miko, marketing coordinator for Grand Rapids, Mich.-based American Seating. To combat this, the company's newest seats are upholstered with special patented cushions and fabrics modifed to absorb cuts, slashes and other abuse. 44 < mETRO mAGAZINE APRIL 2013 American Seating's newest oferings are upholstered with patented cushions and fabrics that absorb cuts, slashes and more. Kiel, a German seating company that recently opened its North American ofces in Elkhart, Ind., gives customers the option of high-gloss vandal-resistant surfaces (Ideo and Centra) or stainless steel (Intra). Similarly, Exton, Pa.-based 4ONE LLC released its upgraded Gemini seat featuring T2C inserts, which are padded toughto-cut vandal-resistant inserts, for chair cushions. "Transit agencies that I've talked to are looking to reduce operating expenses by investing in properly engineered and supported products," says Raymond Melleady, VP, sales, at 4ONE. "Tink of vandal-proof seats, or things that will reduce inventory levels over the life of the vehicle. Another big one would be interchangeability." Chicago-based Freedman Seating Co.'s Go Seat comes equipped with "Lock N Go" removable cushions, exemplifying interchangeability as a way to cut down seat replacement. "Safety is our number one concern, but our second goal is durability," says Dan Cohen, VP, sales and marketing, for Freedman. "We want to produce a product that's going to last metro-magazine.com

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