Kiel North America has announced that the company will be presenting an entirely new seat model for city transit systems, CITOS, for the first time at the APTA Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. From September 11-14 show visitors will also be able to see two exciting innovations in ADA systems—the Kiel Secubar allows for the safe integration of two additional flip seats and a completely redesigned Q’Pod by Kiel. All Kiel products are presented at the Transit Marketing Group Booth #627.
CITOS: Ringing in a new generation in city transit seating
The metal-steel hybrid is introduced publicly for the first time at the APTA meeting and has all the characteristics of being the next trendsetter model for city buses and street cars: Because it requires only a minimal number of parts, CITOS is extremely easy to maintain and clean, yet offers almost unlimited options regarding colors, covers, and accessories.
In its slimmed down version without fabric or foam cover CITOS is a true fuel-saving, CO2-emmision conscious lightweight seat with 32.6 lbs. per double seat (including aluminum frame and foot-wall connection). CITOS is also available with a variety of fabric covers, and with fabric and various foam options of different thicknesses. And while its seat base features a comfortable width of 17.7 inches, the seat’s slender, ergonomically designed back allows for maximum passenger comfort and extra aisle space.
Kiel’s high-tech material engineering utilizes an innovative mix of topmost quality materials and special reinforcements that secure the seat against breakage, which is why CITOS performs considerably better in crash tests than its plastic competitors. The seat’s modular design is based on the most efficient use of top-quality raw materials and therefore a perfect match for any sustainability and environmental protection strategies modern fleets pursue.
Q’POD: The next industry standard in ADA Safety, Redesigned
With the utmost standard of safety and functionality in mind, Kiel has fine-tuned the popular systems to deliver one of the best options for self-contained securement options with a modernized styling. Q’Pod by Kiel features a fully redesigned securement station for wheelchairs with sweeping vector lines and clear Plexiglass windows for increased transparency. The smooth design and clean lines adjust to the interior style of newer buses especially harmoniously and presents a fresh level of compliance with ADA requirements passengers as well as drivers will appreciate.
Secubar: Setting the bar for top ADA Safety, Extra Seats
During its 70-year tenure as one of the industry’s trailblazers, Kiel has developed many patents but few are as exciting and pioneering as the Kiel Secubar (patent pending). Combinable with standard systems as well as Q’Pods, the barrier allows for the safe installation of two additional forward-facing seats.
Secubar is easily engaged by flipping down the longitudinal seats and can be effortlessly operated with a foot pedal. An integrated call strip further increases passenger safety, and many options for additional wheelchair securement are available.
Following its decades-long European tradition of combining the highest standard of engineering and technical know-how with outstanding design and material innovation, Kiel North America has been manufacturing passenger seating solutions for buses, coaches, and trains in Elkhart, Indiana, since 2009. Its comfortable, lightweight, and easy to operate products have set new FMVSS records and range among the top in operator as well as passenger satisfaction.
