SB-10054663-6783

NABI Service Bulletin: 13-02-02
To:

All Operators

Subject:

Disabling Front-Facing Flip-Up Seats

Applicability: All NABI buses where the first row of forward-facing, flip-up seats directly behind the
wheelchair areas have no barriers in front of them. This bulletin does not relate to buses
where there is a barrier in front of the first row of front-facing seats.
Date Issued: December 13, 2013
NABI Bus, LLC (NABI) has learned of a rare safety risk associated with certain seating arrangements
where the first row of forward-facing, flip-up seats directly behind the wheelchair areas on transit buses
have no barriers in front of them. NABI has become aware that three passengers on buses similar to
NABI’s were thrown forward from these seats and sustained quadriplegic injuries. Catastrophic passenger
injuries from seat-expulsion in this manner have been extremely rare. In fact, after more than 21 years and
after billions of passenger-miles, the other manufacturer has encountered only these three such serious
incidents involving its buses. The company believes that all of the industry’s transit bus manufacturers
have built buses with this type of seating configuration.
NABI does not believe that the seats are defective or that a recall is necessary. The Company, however,
has proposed that transit agencies disable the seats by modifying the locking rod on the seats so that the
seat bottoms remain in the upright position. NABI recommends leaving the disabled seat row in place to
act as barrier for the bus seats behind it. Instructions to disable the flip-out seats are defined on Pages 2-4
of this bulletin.
Direct all inquiries regarding this service bulletin to:
Bill Nygaard
Manager - Service and Warranty
NABI Bus, LLC
(256) 241-6590
[email protected]

NABI Service Bulletin 13-02-02

Page 1 of 4

December 13, 2013

Instructions - Disabling Front-Facing Flip-Up Seats
1. Locate the forward facing flip up seats that do not have a “barrier” in front of them. See Figure 1
for the typical location.

Driver’s Seat

Front of Bus

Entrance Door

Figure 1: Typical Forward Facing Flip Up Seat Location
2. Flip the seats into the upright position.
3. Extend the locking rod and secure it in the extended position. See Figure 2
4. Cut the pull handle of the locking rod off as close to the housing as possible. See Figure 2.

Figure 2: Typical Locking Rod in Extended Position
NOTE: On some models, the seat bottom may need to be removed for improved access to the
locking rod.

NABI Service Bulletin 13-02-02

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December 13, 2013

NOTE: The pictures in this bulletin are of a typical flip seat configuration. Your seat may look
different but the basic operation will be very similar.
5. Once the locking rod pull handle has been removed, unsecure the locking rod and let it recede into
the seat bottom. See Figure 3.

Figure 3: Locking Rod Handle Removed
6. Verify that the seat is locked in the upright position and the locking rod is no longer able to be
used.
7. Make sure there are no sharp edges left on the cut locking rod or any parts that can be touched by a
passenger. If there are any sharp edges, sand them smooth.
8. Affix one of the “This seat has been disabled for safety reasons.” decals in a visible area on the
locked seat. Decals are available from NABI Customer Service at 256-241-1312. Please request
PN 544788 for English / Spanish decals or PN 544796 for English / French decals. See Figure 4.

NABI Service Bulletin 13-02-02

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December 13, 2013

PN 544788

PN 544796
Figure 4: Disabled Seat Decals

NOTE: Each above part number comes with two separate language decals. These can be separated
and affixed in the best visible location for the passengers. Languages that are not shown above can
be made available on request.

If there are any additional questions please call Bill Nygaard for more information (Contact information is
on Page 1 of this service bulletin).

NABI Service Bulletin 13-02-02

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December 13, 2013