The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is rolling out vinyl seating on all its buses.

Nearly 40 buses have had their cloth seats replaced with modern, easier-to-clean and maintain vinyl, similar to the material used on Metrorail trains.

The Switch to Vinyl

Customers have long asked for more sanitary material that doesn’t absorb spills, stains, and odors.

Vinyl is a more resilient material with several advantages over cloth, such as increased hygiene, better overall appearance, and less smell absorption.

WMATA will also save money in the short and long term by buying vinyl seats over fabric seats.

The Road to Vinyl

The Metrobus team tested vinyl seats on one bus as a pilot before deciding to roll out the seats across the Metrobus fleet.

Riders responded positively about the comfort and appearance and WMATA staff found the installation process to be easy and seats more durable.

“We believe strongly in providing customers a welcoming, comfortable, and clean environment while riding buses,” said Shushil Ramnaress, WMATA’s chief fleet officer. “This is one of several steps we are taking to show our customers that we are listening and seeking ways to make Metro a preferred option for customers traveling throughout the region.”

WMATA is joining many transit agencies across the country that are transitioning away from fabric seats. More seats are being installed on buses every week with the goal of completing all 1,500-plus buses in 2025.