Blue Bird Corp. and supplier partner HSM’s convertible NextGen seat is designed to allow the customer to change the seat back frame to have a three-point or child-restraint seat without having to purchase new seats for reinstallation into a bus.

The seating option will be available for order for all Blue Bird and Micro Bird school buses starting this summer.

The seat back frame of the NextGen seat is secured by four bolts, which can be removed to replace the seat back with one of the other options offered, including three-point seat belt, three-point seat belt with child restraint, lap belt ready, and child restraint only. The bottom cushion of the seat also tilts completely up, making the area under the seat more accessible.

The seats come with a standard three-year warranty on the foam and a five-year warranty on the workmanship and seat frame paint.