A look at some of the latest seating products on the market, featuring American Seating, Freedman Seating Co., HSM Solutions, and USSC Group.
by METRO Staff
January 10, 2019
Freedman Seating Co.
2 min to read
American Seating
American Seating The non-upholstered INSIGHT-PRIME® and INSIGHT-PRIME+® seating systems feature a reliable, low-maintenance one-piece-module construction with an integral grab handle. INSIGHT-PRME+® adds permanently bonded, color-coordinating inserts. The easy-to-clean and aesthetically enhanced seats feature optimal ergonomic shape and seat pitch for customer comfort. The seating designs are engineered to be lighter in weight to help increase fuel efficiency. The seats for INSIGHT-PRIME and INSIGHT-PRIME+ are available in all of the same configurations as InSight, including transverse, longitudinal, flip-ups, rear-cross, and back-to-back. www.americanseating.com
Freedman Seating Co.
Freedman Seating Co. New transition brackets make it possible to install Freedman and FMS Executive Seats onto existing Ford legs in a variety of floorplan configurations. FMVSS-tested with three-point seat belts, this new system allows operators, dealers, and OEMs to upgrade their Ford Transit interior while using existing OEM legs and floor tracks. Freedman even makes it possible to match OEM material with Transit Cloth fabric available in black or gray. Use Freedman’s GO-ES Flip Seat next to the van’s side door to make it easy to enter and leave vehicle. This product is currently available for Ford Transit vans only. The company offers many vinyl coverings, including antibacterial, antimicrobial, and water-resistant styles. Silver ions embedded into material to kill bacteria, or a protective topcoat so stronger cleaning agent can be used. www.freedmanseating.com
Ad Loading...
Seating Trends
◗ Weight continues to be an important factor. ◗ Thinner designs with more hip-to-knee room. ◗ Three-point seats belts. ◗ High performance covers (upholstery), specifically vinyl (antibacterial, antimicrobial, and water-resistant). ◗ Ergonomically designed inserts and driver seating. ◗ ADA-securement options. ◗ Customer amenities, such as USB ports.
HSM Solutions
HSM Solutions The new lightweight Helium Bus Seat is universally designed for riding comfort. The knee-saver ultra-thin back provides added leg room, as well as lumbar support and comfort. Includes Flexmat and seat springs for added comfort and support. The seat is FMVSS 207/210-compliant and available with two-point and three-point seatbelts or USR (under seat retractors). The Helium seat is ideal for shuttles, tour, and charter buses, as well as paratransit. www.hsmsolutions.com
USSC Group
USSC Group The ClearMotion Quiet Ride operator seat features revolutionary technology that cancels road noise and reduces fatigue and full body vibration for drivers by up to 94%. Powered by ClearMotion, this active seat technology can reduce back pain and other injuries associated with full-body vibration. By incorporating smart technology directly into the seat’s base, the ClearMotion Quiet Ride can offset harsh road noise and conditions drivers face on long-distance drives and in and around town. www.usscgroup.com
Key Features to Look For
◗ Customers in the bus and van markets should look for products that exceed safety standards. ◗ Maximizing floor space and aisle width in ADA-securement zones with fold-away seating. ◗ Slim profile, single seating in ADA-securement zones. ◗ Improve maintainability with interchangeable inserts that balance comfort with easy-to-clean design. ◗ Seating options that permit out-of-aisle storage of baby carriages, strollers, carts, and the like.
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
In this edition, we also spotlight recent personnel moves at HDR, PATH, STV, and more, highlighting the people taking on new roles across the transportation industry.
Transit agencies are using fare-free service, trip-planning tools, and targeted rides to improve voting access. See what other agencies can learn from these efforts.
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
CTA launched crisis intervention teams as CATS prepares to deploy fare ambassadors, expanding customer assistance and security efforts across both systems.
Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.
The 12.4-mile corridor is projected to serve 66,200 daily riders, reduce travel times by up to 24%, and create the nation's busiest bus rapid transit corridor.