The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has published guidelines regarding the safety of full-flat seats on express buses.
In response to the demand for the introduction of large buses equipped with seats that can recline to a full-flat position, aimed at accommodating the needs of passengers traveling overnight, the Ministry formulated guidelines based on the discussions held by the Vehicle Safety Measures Examination Committee. These guidelines outline the safety requirements for express buses equipped with full-flat seats.
The guidelines primarily include requirements such as the seats being forward-facing, equipped with anti-fall plates, and impact-absorbing materials, along with the implementation of fall prevention measures and protective components. Two-point seat belts are required; three-point seat belts are not used due to the risk of compressing passengers’ necks in the event of a collision.
Seats installed sideways are excluded from the guideline as their safety in a seated posture cannot be guaranteed and they are not permitted under current international standards except in slow-moving vehicles such as buses. Other safety measures included in the guidelines ensure that passageways during boarding, disembarking, and emergencies are maintained, and seats near emergency exits are designed to be easily removable or foldable.
The development of bus vehicles equipped with suitable seat belts and protective components for full-flat seats is expected to be promoted, thereby improving safety while meeting the needs of the passengers.
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