Q’Straint to supply Quantum, Q’POD securement systems for ABQ Ride’s BRT system
Benefits of the Quantum rear-facing solution include shorter dwell times at stops; little or no involvement of bus operators; less likelihood of operator injury; and fewer instances of operators being placed in awkward working positions.
The Quantum and Q'POD systems will be installed on all 18 of ABQ Ride's ART BRT buses.
2 min to read
The Quantum and Q'POD systems will be installed on all 18 of ABQ Ride's ART BRT buses.
As part of its 18-BYD bus order for its Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) BRT buses, ABQ Ride has specified Q’Straint’s Quantum rearward-facing and Q’POD forward-facing wheelchair securement systems — making it the largest one-time purchase of the Quantum in the state.
“We’re very excited about this contract,” said Mitch Drouillard, southern regional transit/rail manager for Q’Straint/Sure-Lok. “ABQ Ride has had a pilot unit in their bus for two years, and based on the positive feedback from both operators and the community, elected to move forward with putting our technology on their 18 ART buses.”
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The Quantum rear-facing solution provides several benefits for the transit system including shorter dwell times at stops; little or no involvement of bus operators; less likelihood of operator injury; and fewer instances of operators being placed in awkward working positions. It also provides several benefits for passengers in need of wheelchair device securement, according to Drouillard.
“First and foremost, it gives passengers the independence to secure themselves and do it in a timeframe that’s far less than traditional four-point securement; what used to take anywhere from three to five minutes can now be done in 25 seconds,” he explained. “The safety and independence it gives mobility passengers is incredible, and I think, is what draws people to it.”
How it works:
With the vehicle safely stopped, the passenger centers their wheelchair or scooter against the backrest and presses a button to engage the automatic locking sequence. Next, the Quantum’s “arms” move to secure the wheelchair in place, all in under 25 seconds, without requiring the drivers’ assistance. Meanwhile, the securement arms continually adjust their grip as needed throughout the journey. Then, once the vehicle stops at a destination, the Quantum’s release sequence can be engaged so the passenger can disembark.
The Quantum helps reduce operator assistance, allowing the passenger to secure his or herself in about 30 seconds.
Meanwhile, the Q’POD is the first fully-integrated forward-facing wheelchair securement station specifically designed and tested for transit wheelchair passenger transportation. The Buy America-compliant solution secures virtually all styles of wheelchairs, including scooters, with a simplified operation that allows for quicker securement times and reduced vehicle dwell times.
ABQ Ride’s ART BRT system is set to launch this fall and will link to some of Albuquerque’s biggest destinations, including downtown, the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College, Presbyterian Hospital, Old Town, the BioPark, libraries, and shopping and retail centers.
Q’Straint will host a webinar, “Emerging Trends in Wheelchair Transportation: New Standards & Technologies,” featuring its National Training Manager Darren Reaume on Tuesday, June 6 at 11 a.m. Pacific/2 p.m. Eastern. For more information and to register for the event, click here.
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