OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – New technology is giving bus passengers in wheelchairs and mobility scooters independence in Oshkosh.
GO Transit, which provides the public transportation service in the Oshkosh area, unveiled new Quantum securement technology on all of its buses Thursday. The technology gives riders the ability to secure themselves into place with a push of a button, without the help of the driver.
“[It’s] an independent way for riders with mobility devices to get on and off the bus,” said GO Transit Operations Manager Steve Tomasik. “It’s a great way for someone to get on and off the bus. It gives independence, you can do it all by yourself, and think it makes a more enjoyable experience for the rider…It saves a lot of time when someone gets used to the system. Think about it, every time someone has to come on and off, [they used to] have to strap themselves in and out.”
It also allows for minimal interaction between the driver and rider and streamlines the bussing service.
“We run a 30-minute cycle with the buses, so every little minute helps,” Tomasik told WTAQ News.
For those using the system, it’s a big deal.
“You get the ability to get yourself on and off without someone crawling all over you,” Tomasik said. “It’s a better feeling, a better experience for getting on and off the bus. Throwing in that you can do it yourself, I think makes it a more streamlined operation.”
GO Transit says it will be getting four new buses by the end of this year and those will be fitted with the Quantum securement technology as well.
