A closer look at the design and functionality of public transport seating.
Not long after my child turned one, I realized I might have a problem with bus seats. When I carry him in a baby carrier, his legs naturally rest against mine, resulting in us occupying 1.5 seats during our journeys. On crowded buses, you might catch me tilting to make room for another passenger.
Occasionally, the nearest standing commuter smiles and acknowledges my efforts to create space, telling me, “It’s okay.” Other times, someone approaches with hopeful anticipation, only to discover that the seat beside me isn’t entirely free, leading to a disappointed sigh and an eye roll.
I’ve considered various solutions. I could unbuckle the baby carrier after taking my seat—though that would involve some awkward maneuvering during our brief, 10-minute ride. More often than not, I choose to stand, burdened by a diaper bag slung over my shoulder. After all, I’m a mother, not an octopus.
The Issue of Seat Size
Is it just me, or is there a problem with the size of the bus seats? I reached out to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to voice my concerns. They were sympathetic and informed me that the average public bus seat width is 42 cm, which they consider “sufficient for each passenger.”
However, I remain unconvinced. One day, I measured a bus seat during my commute and found it to be only 37.5 cm wide, deepening the mystery.
“I understand your frustration. Back in design school, I often struggled with carrying my bag, laptop, and materials while staying within my seat,” shares Larissa, a client service executive. Though she’s not a parent, she frequently finds herself wrestling with personal belongings while navigating the cramped seating next to her.
Larissa adds, “I tense my legs when sitting on the aisle. Once, another passenger’s shopping bag hit my head. I chose to stay silent rather than escalate the situation.”
While our experiences may be unique, I suspect many commuters have encountered similar challenges during their bus rides.
The Bermuda Triangle of Bus Seats
Then there’s the recurring issue of passengers avoiding certain seats, particularly those in the middle, rear-facing, or at the back—let’s call it the Bermuda Triangle of bus seating. This avoidance stems from the inconvenience of quickly exiting those seats, which seems to be a priority in our fast-paced society.
On social media, some have criticized the practicality of bus seat designs, including the odd hand grip pole that obstructs access to some seats. A man explained his need to spread his legs due to height and heat discomfort. Meanwhile, another individual, known as AMC, expressed his dissatisfaction through digital platforms.
The Capacity Conundrum
AMC, a bus enthusiast and founder of the blog SG Transport Critics, addressed similar queries regarding bus seating arrangements and capacity. His interest was sparked by debates on online forums about why certain bus models can accommodate more passengers than others.
He compared two popular single-deck bus models in Singapore: the Mercedes-Benz Citaro and the Scania K230UB. Currently, local bus operators deploy around 1,155 Citaros, while SBS Transit operates approximately 1,000 K230UB buses.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the Citaro can carry more passengers—90 total, including seated and standing—compared to Scania’s 88. AMC questioned the practicality of these figures, stating, “Those numbers seem plausible only in a perfect world where passengers travel empty-handed and willingly move to the back of the bus to utilize every inch of floor space.”
The Design Dilemma
To accommodate more passengers, bus seats are often arranged longitudinally, similar to those on the MRT, while the Citaro uses a latitudinal seating arrangement, positioning seats perpendicular to the length of the vehicle. AMC posits that this may explain the Citaro’s supposedly lower capacity.
Interestingly, manufacturers design their products, including buses, to maximize profits and sustainability. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz and Scania are not local manufacturers. The Citaro buses are shipped from Germany, while some Scania components are assembled in Malaysia.
So how do these companies modify their bus designs to suit our local commuter patterns?
The 42 cm Mystery
I reached out to several bus manufacturers regarding the rationale behind the 42 cm seat width. Mercedes-Benz initially responded but ceased communication when I inquired about the discrepancies highlighted by AMC. Volvo Group, which produces 1,600 double-decker Volvo B9TL buses in Singapore, stated that they couldn’t comment on the matter, referring me back to the LTA.
Alexander Dennis Limited, which manufactures the latest three-door double-decker buses, noted, “Our buses are tailored for local conditions, so there is no standard international design.”
Exploring Seat Models
I discussed my inquiries about bus seat sizes with Maxson Goh, a bus enthusiast and YouTuber. He advised that bus seats are manufactured by different companies than those responsible for the bus frame itself. Maxson has also created content ranking the best bus seats in Singapore, mentioning five types of seat models used across local bus fleets.
One of the most common models, the Vogelsitze System 750/3, originates from the German company Vogel Holding. I attempted to contact them but received no response.
To gain more insight, I consulted Associate Professor Chen Chun-Hsien from Nanyang Technological University, who published a paper on anthropometric measurements of adult Singaporeans in 2019. His research found that the average hip breadth for men is 31.5 cm and for women, 30.5 cm. Shoulder breadth measures 44.9 cm for men and 39.8 cm for women, indicating that the standard seat width may not accommodate everyone comfortably.
The Human Factor
Anthropometric data plays a crucial role in public space design, including bus seating. Alex Lee, an ergonomics specialist at Synergo, emphasized the importance of designing seats with wider dimensions to accommodate a diverse range of body types.
“Unfortunately, public spaces often lack individual adjustability, leading designers to compromise for a broader audience,” he explains. “For instance, taller or larger individuals may not feel adequately supported on standard-sized seats.”
Ideally, seat widths should exceed hip dimensions for comfort, and shoulder width can inform backrest design to ensure sufficient space between adjacent passengers.
Measuring Reality
Although anthropometric data should inform design decisions, it’s not always available or updated to reflect changing body types across generations.
During a recent measuring expedition with AMC and Lemonnarc, we discovered that while the Citaro seats measured 42 cm wide, others were narrower, with one model measuring 43.5 cm.
Final Thoughts
My experiences and the insights gained from this investigation have illuminated the complexities surrounding public transport design. As Lemonnarc pointed out, “There’s a lack of public awareness regarding transport-related issues. We often blame individuals for not utilizing available seating without considering the larger context.”
The topic of bus seats is often overlooked. We tend to focus on transit services, fares, and journey times, as well as the latest commuter antics that capture attention.
While immediate solutions may not be forthcoming, fostering understanding around these issues can pave the way for more informed discussions about public transport design.
As for my child, he will graduate from the baby carrier shortly before his second birthday, and I eagerly await the day he can sit beside me with his child concession card. Until then, I hope the LTA and the Public Transport Council will evaluate not only fare structures but also the comfort and capacity of our public transport systems—and whether we are truly getting value for our money.
