DART has replaced nearly 34,000 fabric seat cushions and backs on its bus fleet with vinyl-covered ones, which will provide a better – and cleaner – experience for riders.
DART has replaced nearly 34,000 fabric seat cushions and backs on its bus fleet with vinyl-covered ones, which will provide a better – and cleaner – experience for riders.
The vinyl seats are easier to clean and sanitize,” said Huy Nguyen, manager of bus fleet engineering.
DART rider Daniela Rodriguez said she is thrilled that DART buses have vinyl seats and hopes train seats will be next.
“Cloth seats just are not very sanitary. You never know what you are sitting on,” Rodriguez said. “I think this is a good step for DART to take to make sure riders like me feel more comfortable.”
Marvin Hurt, AVP of Fleet Engineering at DART, said the agency expects to begin replacing fabric seats on light rail vehicles in the spring of 2024.
“DART is committed to maintaining its system in a state of good repair,” Hurt said. “Vinyl seats have a material life cycle of 10+ years, and more importantly, provide a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable environment for our riders.”
Seat replacement is in line with other efforts the agency is making to provide better riding experience for riders. In November 2022, agency launched the DART Clean Team initiative. This team removes trash and debris aboard DART light rail vehicles as they operate throughout the day, supplementing the extensive cleaning protocols already in place.
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