Ster Seating LLC announced a North American first in public transportation: a purpose-built parent/child seat design now in service on Maryland Transit Administration's (MTA Maryland) new bus fleet.

The innovative configuration uses Ster Seating's Gemini seat platform to create a family-friendly floor layout specifically engineered to accommodate parents traveling with young children.

The new seat design maintains the proven ergonomics and safety standards riders expect while introducing a thoughtful layout that makes public transit more accessible and welcoming for families, according to the company. This collaboration between Ster Seating and MTA Maryland demonstrates how forward-thinking transit agencies can better serve diverse ridership needs through innovative design.

"We want our buses to work for everyone, especially families," said Administrator Holly Arnold. "The new seat platforms are a small change that can make a big difference in how comfortable and accommodating our buses feel."

"Public transit should work for everyone – from solo commuters to families with young children," added Raymond Melleady, president of Ster Seating. "This parent/child seat represents more than just an innovation in seating design. It reflects a fundamental commitment to making public transportation more inclusive and family-friendly. We're honored that MTA Maryland had the vision to bring this concept to life, and we're excited to see how this innovation can serve as a model for transit agencies across North America."

Ster’s Parent/Child Seat

The parent/child seat configuration addresses a long-standing gap in public transportation accessibility for families.

Traditional transit seating layouts often make it difficult for parents to safely and comfortably travel with young children. The new design creates designated seating areas that accommodate both adult and child passengers while maintaining the durability and safety standards required for high-volume transit operations, Ster Seating officials said.

MTA Maryland's adoption of this innovative seating solution aligns with broader industry efforts to make public transportation more accessible and welcoming to diverse passenger populations.

The new fleet showcases how thoughtful design can enhance the rider experience without compromising operational efficiency or safety requirements.

Ster Seating's Gemini seat platform, which underpins the parent/child design, is manufactured in Exton, Pennsylvania, and has been adopted globally for its combination of comfort, durability, and lightweight construction.

The Gemini seat exceeds all applicable APTA White Book safety standards and has tens of thousands of units in service worldwide, according to the company.