Smooth, hard-shell seats have replaced the patterned fabric seats that riders are familiar with on the London Transit Commission (LTC) Route 12 bus. The new seats are a trial following an LTC survey that showed bus cleanliness was a key issue for Londoners.
As an upholsterer my professional opinion is that fabric on a bus is disgusting. I’ve been in some motels that I wished the furniture had been an injection molded unit.