Michigan’s Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) announced the first installation of QUANTUM, a virtually autonomous wheelchair securement station manufactured by Q’Straint.

It is the only wheelchair securement system available that gives complete independence to passengers with mobility devices, according to the company.

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.

The grant funds awarded to TheRide are being used to install Quantum Wheelchair Securement equipment on 10 of TheRide’s buses.

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 earlier this week. As part of the installation, TheRide motorcoach operators are being trained to help answer rider questions and will aid passengers if needed.

According to Mike Laidlaw, Q’Straint sr. 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.