A version of this story appeared onMetro magazine, School Bus Fleet’s sister publication.

CHICAGO — Freedman Seating Co. announced a new line of safety products intended to help curb the spread of germs on public and commercial transportation vehicles.

“There is nothing more important to us than to protect the safety and well-being of our employees, business partners, and America’s transportation infrastructure. Every decision we make and action we take keeps those principles in mind,” said Dan Cohen, president for Freedman Seating in a news release from the company. “Our team is proud to develop and manufacture PPE to help keep America moving, responding, and delivering hope.”

Freedman’s Passenger Protective Equipment (PPE) line currently includes three products:

•    Passenger Guards: Made from a clear, soft durable vinyl that is designed to be easy to replace and clean, and UV and mildew resistant. The guards are mounted at the top of a passenger seat behind the passenger’s head, providing protection from sneezes, coughs, droplets, and other airborne person-to-person threats and germs. These guards can be easily added in the field to 3PT mid-high, Feather Weight mid-high, GO-ES and most Freedman Foldaway seats.

•    Grab Rail Covers: Created to be easy to clean, replace, or add in the field, these covers are made from CMI Dimensions Nanocide vinyl with embedded silver, a natural antimicrobial.

•    Social Distance Seat Bands: These bands are made to communicate social distancing restrictions with a durable seat band, wrapped around any seat designated “Do Not Sit.”

“Adding PPE to a bus is a significant step forward in improving safety and trust within public transportation at a time when attracting and retaining ridership is extremely tough,” Cohen said.

The new line of PPE products represents another major benchmark in Freedman’s 125-year history as a supplier of seating and safety solutions to the commercial market.