HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses has debuted its new Saf-T-Anchor Removable Seat (S.T.A.R.S.) Mounting System for special-needs buses.

The S.T.A.R.S. Mounting System is designed to enable easier removal and installation of passenger seats for special-needs students.

“Many of our customers use track seating, which requires significant effort to remove and then reinstall seats as routes vary over the life of the bus,” said Ken Whisnant, engineering manager for Thomas Built Buses. “With the new S.T.A.R.S. Mounting System, seats can easily be removed and installed. No unique hardware or measuring is needed during reinstallation, as is the case with seats installed on continuous floor track.”

The S.T.A.R.S Mounting System uses wall-mounted seats with the feet secured to the floor using specially designed anchors. The bolts attaching the seats to these anchors allow the seat to be easily removed and reinstalled from inside the bus, according to Thomas Built Buses.

When reinstallation is needed, the seats will only go back in the location as designed and installed from the factory. According to the company, this allows for easy reconfiguration of buses, based on the number of special-needs students, and will utilize pockets or segmented track for the attachment of wheelchairs.

With the S.T.A.R.S. Mounting System, continuous track is no longer required for seat installation. However, for customers who still want continuous track to secure wheelchairs, Thomas Built will offer an option that is compatible with the S.T.A.R.S. Mounting System.

The S.T.A.R.S. Mounting System meets all state and federal safety regulations, including FMVSS 210, 213, 222 and 225. It will be available for order in June.