Tran . “ Through evaluation of potential products , we found that Q ’ STRAINT most closely met our needs .” The dual availability of QUANTUM and Q ’ POD made Q ’ STRAINT a top choice for Palm Tran . Additionally , the systems ’ overall durability played a significant factor in the purchase . Not long after these 11 Gillig buses were delivered and received positive feedback , COVID-19 struck agencies nationwide . Hockman said Palm Tran began immediately assessing measures to protect drivers and passengers against infection . “ In June 2020 , we were receiving a lot of pushbacks from drivers about wheelchair securement and potential exposure ,” he said . “ QUANTUM became increasingly popular at this time , so we made the decision to retrofit our entire fleet with selfsecurement systems .” The buses retrofitted with QUANTUM required removal of one of the forward-facing securement stations prior to installation . Drouillard said the QUANTUM retrofit kit came with everything needed for a turnkey installation . Q ’ STRAINT provided onsite operational and maintenance training to Palm Tran training staff . In addition to the hands-on training , Q ’ STRAINT provided training videos , electronic service manuals for their maintenance technicians , and enrollment in the
QUANTUM Operator Certification Course offered through the Q ’ STRAINT Training AQADEMY . As of today , QUANTUM and Q ’ POD are now standard equipment on all new fixed route bus deliveries for Palm Tran .
Rider Feedback Hockman said that Palm Tran riders have been vocally supportive of the QUANTUM self-securement process . Passengers can walk on to a bus , position their wheelchair in the QUANTUM station , and be secured in less than 25 seconds with the press of a button . The system provides a new level of independence for Palm Tran riders . Many feel empowered , as they are now treated the same as everyone else on the bus – not needing the driver to stand up and provide special assistance securing their device . “ The system is easy to use , and passenger feel secure and in control of being secured on the bus ,” he said . “ They like being in control of securing themselves and it gives them the feeling of independence . A rider moves into position , activates the device , and double checks they are secure .” The amount of space provided in the station means that QUANTUM can accommodate wheelchairs of many sizes .
16 | BUSRIDE . COM | OCTOBER 2021