ANN ARBOR, MI -- The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is proud to announce the first installation of QUANTUM, a virtually autonomous wheelchair securement station manufactured by Q’Straint. QUANTUM is redefining transit safety by combining securement expertise, intelligent technology, and the latest in modern design. It is the only wheelchair securement system available that gives complete independence to passengers with mobility devices.
The new wheelchair securement stations are made possible because TheRide was awarded $187,000 of grant funds from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) as part of their Michigan Mobility Challenge grant initiative. “This initiative uses technology and innovation to address mobility gaps for seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans in Michigan,” said Jean Ruestman, MDOT Administrator of the Office of Passenger Transportation. The grant funds awarded to TheRide are being used to install Quantum Wheelchair Securement equipment on ten of TheRide’s buses.
“Everyone at TheRide is very excited about being able to provide new advances in mobility for our riders with disabilities. We are especially grateful for our partners; the Center for Independent Living, the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, Kiel, and Q’Straint, for their support during this nine month pilot,” Julia Roberts, Project Lead at TheRide said.
Thanks to a PlanetM grant and Mcity’s support, individuals who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices were given a chance to try out the Quantum wheelchair securement system on Monday, March 26. As part of the installation, TheRide motor coach operators (MCOs) are being trained to help answer rider questions and will aid passengers if needed.
According to Mike Laidlaw, Q’Straint Senior Regional Manager, the virtually autonomous wheelchair securement provides more autonomy for individuals with disabilities, provides greater protection of the individual’s head and neck, speeds up boarding and allows for less maintenance on the vehicle.
To learn more about the QUANTUM wheelchair securement station visit TheRide.org/AboutUs/Initiatives/New-Mobility.
The latest information on TheRide’s routes, schedules and detours is available in the Ride Guide, at (734) 996-0400 and on TheRide.org.