Quantum Adoption Leads to Accessibility Award for MATBUS
The Accessibility Award from Freedom Resource Center was received by MATBUS during their 5th Annual Appreciation Luncheon on May 10, 2016. Nate Aalgaard, executive director of Freedom Resource Center, presented the award to MATBUS for going above and beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (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, composed of the Cities of Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota, provides the Mobility Management workshops, tools and training to encourage independence. Interim Transit Director for the City of Fargo, Julie Bommelman, is an avid supporter of Quantum, realizing early on the potential benefits of the 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. Thank you [Q'Straint] for your hard work in making it such a success," Julie Bommelman, interim transit director, City of Fargo. 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 and Freedom Resource Center - Nate Aalgaard provided a letter of support during the process, endorsing Quantum. The State of Minnesota recently approved QUANTUM, allowing the City of Moorheadthe 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.
