As the bus and coach industry continues to evolve under the pressure of regulatory shifts, sustainability goals and the transition to electric vehicles, seat manufacturer StyleRide is embracing the challenges with confidence.
One of the most immediate changes facing the sector is the introduction of a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) that will require buses and coaches to feature seatbelt wearing monitoring technology and mandatory signage.
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All seating positions, excluding the driver’s seat, are required to have signage indicating the necessity of wearing seatbelts, focused on increasing seatbelt usage among passengers. For StyleRide, this hasn’t posed a significant hurdle.
“There’s no issue for us, because it’s quite a simple fix,” StyleRide national business development manager Troy Wells told ABC.
“We have ensured that all our products have met certain requirements before, and this is no different. We’re prepared for it and have set ourselves up for it.”
Beyond the rear-seat labels, minor alterations may be required for modesty panels at the front of the vehicle, which will involve collaboration with bodybuilders.
“That’s the only discussion we’ll have to have with our partners, about what happens at the modesty panel for the front seats. But every other seat will have it,” he says.
The industry’s shift towards electric and hydrogen-powered buses is also driving new conversations around weight reduction. Recognising the importance of lighter builds to improve energy efficiency, StyleRide is proactively refining its product offerings.
“We’re always looking at ways to improve what we do and suit the market’s needs. Creating lightweight seating is part of that,” Wells says.
“We’ve already got the Practico range available for purchase, which is a lightweight seat.
“The current product range is fairly light in comparison with others in the market, and so for the time being we haven’t had to make many changes.”
While current demand hasn’t heavily shifted due to the dominance of electric buses in metro fleets, StyleRide’s existing metro products already cater well to these needs.
“Our metro product is actually well suited to that market,” he says.
“Once more coach and school buses are heading the electric route, we will be the first to sit down with customers and figure out the best seating solutions for them.
“It’s something we believe will get more attention.”
While adapting to the needs of the broader industry is a priority for the brand, passenger comfort and customisation remain at the heart of StyleRide’s design ethos. With ongoing feedback loops and close collaboration with customers, product development is continuous.
“We’re always listening. I go out to visit customers and say, ‘What do you like about our product? What don’t you like?’” Wells says.
“When we get positive feedback, that’s great. But when we get something negative, we work on that too.”
This mindset also applies to StyleRide’s operations, particularly when it comes to improving sustainability and reducing its environmental impact.
“Along with our suppliers, we’re always trying to find better ways to do things,” Wells says.
“We’ve streamlined procedures in our factory to reduce production time, and all of that has an environmental benefit.”
The key to the bus and coach industry and the continued success of the StyleRide brand Wells says, is Australian manufacturing.
“We have to keep that strong. Yes, imported vehicles play a role, but local production is vital,” he says.
“That is the one thing that I wouldn’t want to see change in the industry.”
Looking ahead, StyleRide sees opportunity in staying true to its customer-first approach.
“Passengers have got to put their bum somewhere, so let’s make sure our product is the best product out there.”
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