Wheelchair and scooter users want independence — to be treated just like any other passenger. Bus drivers have a schedule to maintain. And until now, those two objectives have often been at odds. With the introduction of the QUANTUM Automatic Securement Station, the industry now has the first securement system designed to both keep passengers safe — and keep drivers on schedule.
The QUANTUM system is the transportation industry’s first fully automatic, rear-facing wheelchair securement station. QUANTUM allows passengers to board a bus or railcar, quickly position their wheelchair, and then simply push a button to secure themselves in a stable and safe rear-facing position with minimal driver assistance — all in under 25 seconds. This independent securement process will profoundly change the face of public wheelchair passenger transportation.
The revolutionary design of the QUANTUM was developed through pioneering insight and intelligent technology by Q’STRAINT, a developer of wheelchair and occupant securements. The world-class engineers at the company spent years designing, testing, and iterating on the QUANTUM to ensure that the system delivers both the user experience and the performance necessary to keep passengers safe and driver assistance minimal.
Using traditional tie-down securements, drivers can take up to several minutes to properly secure a mobility passenger. And, despite their best efforts to be respectful, this process can often be awkward and invasive, sometimes even causing unintended discomfort or injury. With QUANTUM, wheelchair passenger can simply and independently enter the unit during a vehicle stop. Once the passenger’s chair is centered against the backrest, the user pushes an ADA-friendly button that activates the solution’s arms as to move into position and secure the mobility device by capturing and squeezing the wheels. Next, an automatic locking sequence is initiated to ensure for a safe and secure ride. During the journey, QUANTUM continually adjusts its grip as needed to properly secure the passenger throughout the trip.
Once the vehicle reaches the destination and stops, the passenger simply pushes the button again to release their mobility device and freely makes his or her exit. The system ultimately gives mobility passengers a level of independence on par with other commuters: the freedom to board the vehicle and automatically secure themselves just like any other passenger.
Bus Operators and Transit Properties benefit dramatically from QUANTUM with significantly reduced dwell times when it comes to securing passengers in mobility devices. Buses keeping their schedules on track and commuters no longer need to worry about long delays. More consistent in its application than wheelchair tie-downs, the system eliminates the difficult securement maneuvers that often frustrate passengers and drivers. From a liability perspective, QUANTUM helps to prevent tip-overs and reduces properties exposure to injuries caused by improper securement. QUANTUM also greatly reduces the potential of incidents involving seated or standing commuters who could be injured by unsecured mobility devices.
Ideal for both new fleet and retrofit applications in bus and rail, the system is quick to install, easy to operate, and simple to maintain. Operators are sure to reach new levels of passenger satisfaction and on-time performance with this revolutionary one-touch, user-operated system from Q’STRAINT.
