System Enables Mobility Device Users to Secure Themselves Without Assistance from Bus Operator
Technology to be Implemented on 10 Buses Along the M7 and Designed to Improve Boarding Process Without Compromising Safety
View Photos of Wheelchair Securement Device
View Disability Pride Video Including Quantum
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today launched a six-month pilot to test an automated wheelchair securement device, the Quantum Self Securement Station, on 10 buses along the M7 route. The system is designed to allow people using manual or power wheelchairs to independently secure themselves on a bus with just the push of a button. Currently, bus operators must leave their seat to secure a wheelchair in place and free the wheelchair from its position to let the customer off. Quantum streamlines that process by improving the experience for customers who use wheelchairs and speeding up the bus for all riders.
Adding Quantum to the ten buses began today and will be finished by the end of next week. The M7 was chosen because of the high-volume of mobility device users along that route. Customers will be able to know if their bus has Quantum by a decal on the side of the bus near the front-boarding door. There will be one Quantum Self Securement Station on each of the ten buses. Passengers will still have the option to use the traditional 4-point securement with the assistance of a bus operator, if preferred. Whichever method a customer chooses, the bus operator will be available to help.
This is just the latest in the MTA’s work to celebrate Disability Pride Month. Last week, the MTA announced the expansion of new wayfinding tools, opened three new accessible stations, and held multiple events highlighting accessibility. Recaps of these events can be found here.
“We are excited to test this new automated technology that can greatly improve the commuting experience of passengers who use wheelchairs,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “It allows customers to board and secure themselves more quickly and effortlessly, while requiring minimal to no assistance from the bus operator – promoting independence and autonomy over their own journey.”
“First impression of this automated securement system is that it is a win-win for everyone,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Buses Frank Annicaro. “Passengers who use wheelchairs will be able to board buses more seamlessly, save time on their journey and enable a quicker boarding process overall. The technology is simple, making training for our bus operators straightforward, quick and easy to use.”
“This is just the latest innovation to improve the accessibility and customer experience for our bus riders," said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer and Senior Advisor Quemuel Arroyo. “Independence has long been the top priority of the disability community, and I’m very happy to be testing a new product that can help our customers in wheelchairs ride more independently.”
“I’ve always believed public transit should be as accessible as possible to all—and today’s rollout of the Quantum Self Securement pilot program will allow passengers with disabilities to move around the city with greater speed and independence,” said Representative Jerry Nadler. “I applaud the MTA for utilizing this innovative technology to improve the transit experience for all and look forward to Quantum’s expansion to additional lines in the future.”
"MTA's pilot initiative involving Quantum Self-Securement Stations showcases the potential technology can have in enhancing community services,” said Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell. "By introducing this initiative, MTA is not just significantly improving the accessibility of public transportation, but also ensuring it is more inclusive for every New Yorker."
"It’s great that the MTA is trying out new methods to more quickly serve customers who use wheelchairs, which will benefit all riders on the busy M7 route,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer.
“I am thrilled that the MTA has started this pilot program and think this could be a game changer for bus riders and operators,” said Unite for Equal Access NY President & Founder Dustin Jones. “In addition to having the traditional securement spot, the new Quantum self-securement system will allow more freedom and access to passengers who use wheelchairs, giving us the option to secure ourselves with little to no help from the operator. The M7 runs a few short blocks from my residence, and I cannot wait to give this a try while the bus is in service.”
Quantum is a product by Q’straint and each unit costs approximately $18,000. The MTA will be collecting customer and operator feedback on their experiences with Quantum, as well as the operation and maintenance costs of the system. Data and feedback collected during this pilot will be used to determine whether the pilot is extended and whether to further invest in new securement technologies.
For further instructions on how Quantum works, please visit our dedicated webpage: http://new.mta.info/quantum