Fargo, N.D.-based transit service, MATBUS was recently honored with the Accessibility Award from disability rights organization Freedom Resource Center in recognition of its implementation of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Nate Aalgaard, executive director of Freedom Resource Center, presented the award to MATBUS for "going above and beyond" the ADA requirements with the installation of the Quantum wheelchair securement system on two City of Fargo buses received last fall, as well as the introduction of the "Train the Trainer" workshops and distribution of free 10-ride tickets to passengers learning how to ride MATBUS with a certified trainer.

MATBUS, which received the award during their 5th Annual Appreciation Luncheon on May 10, 2016, is composed of the cities of Fargo and Moorhead, Minn., and provides mobility management workshops, tools and training to encourage independence.

The City of Fargo's Interim Transit Director, Julie Bommelman, realized early on the potential benefits of the Quantum securement system, not only for transit properties, but also for passengers and bus drivers alike. "It was well worth it for our most important asset, our passengers," she said. "Thank you [Q'Straint] for your hard work in making it such a success."

Quantum, which allows people with disabilities to independently secure themselves on the two Fargo fixed-route buses, is fully automatic, new to the fleet and gaining momentum in the transit industry. The cutting-edge technology from Q'Straint has been well-received by the MATBUS staff, the riding public, according to the company, and Freedom Resource Center's Aalgaard provided a letter of support during the process, endorsing Quantum.

The State of Minnesota recently approved the Quantum, allowing the City of Moorhead the opportunity to explore installation of the wheelchair securement station in their upcoming purchase of two fixed-route vehicles. The City of Fargo is also purchasing two fixed-route vehicles and hopes to include Quantum in their new vehicles.