Quantum: new robot arms to secure wheelchair users on MBTA buses

[kestrell]

Kes: I know I'm just a product of the '80s because I just keep seeing bad sf horror movie all over this. Also, I want Crispin Glover to be the voice of Quantum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aogfpsnjHO4

Comments

Rolls up her sleeves, grabs a beer.

[jesse_the_k]

There are so many bogus elements here!

1. Wheelchair securement is a theatrical gesture. Bus seats are a very thick plastic shell covering a thick metal frame (and if you're extra lucky there may be some padded vinyl for comfort). I've never seen a wheeled mobility device anywhere near as sturdy. In a crash, the chair would collapse internally. Chairs are secured to limit unguided missiles inside the bus, shielding the other passengers, not the chair user.

2. The MBTA trainer in this movie did something stunningly bad -- they grabbed on to the wheelchair and shoved it side to side, without getting permission from the user.

3. Wicked expensive electromechanical systems are prone to failure when exposed to road salt, gravel, sand, grit and typical Boston weather. So good luck when the power fails and the driver's supposed to stick a coin in a tiny black slot near the floor.

4. Q'straint will make more bucks, though.

5. Nothing is faster than an experienced rider and drive with old fashioned four-point tie downs. 75 seconds from boarding to vrooming off again on my regular routes.

[capri0mni]

Also, what about motorized chair users (such as myself)?

[capri0mni]

oops.