Abstract: A seat for a passenger vehicle is provided that comprises a first sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in the seat and a second sensor for validating the seat occupancy. The seat further comprises a transmitter for transmitting a signal indicative of valid occupancy of the seat. The first sensor may be a non-contact, capacitive sensor and the second sensor may comprise a near-field communication device for receiving a seat validation code. A seat validation system may be established on a passenger vehicle such as a train, wherein a central controller may report on seat occupancy status for the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat for a passenger vehicle is provided that comprises a first sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in the seat and a second sensor for validating the seat occupancy. The seat further comprises a transmitter for transmitting a signal indicative of valid occupancy of the seat. The first sensor may be a non-contact, capacitive sensor and the second sensor may comprise a near-field communication device for receiving a seat validation code. A seat validation system may be established on a passenger vehicle such as a train, wherein a central controller may report on seat occupancy status for the vehicle.