The message from the MTA to moms and dads: stroll right in. As long as it’s a human baby.
The MTA announced the expansion of the “Open Stroller” pilot program to all local buses, including Select Bus Service, in New York City. The plan would see the MTA retrofit all buses to allow parents to fold up to two chairs on the bus, freeing up spaced to park strollers.
“Expanding the Open Stroller program allows us to make buses more accessible to more riders, while still providing fast, safe, and reliable service for New Yorkers and their families,” said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow on Thursday. “We understand that even the youngest New Yorkers have commitments, and we’re making sure our bus network continues to get them where they need to go.”
How does the program work?
This program allows parents to board buses and find a designated space, in addition to the spaces reserved for wheelchairs, where they can travel without having to fold their stroller.
Currently, buses are being adapted, from station to station, to include spaces for strollers, either as an open area near the rear door or as a space created by folding down two adjacent seats, depending on the bus model.
“The ‘Open Stroller’ program expands access to our bus network for parents and caregivers traveling with children in strollers, while ensuring equal access for riders who use mobility devices like myself,” said Quemuel Arroyo, MTA Director of Accessibility. “This expansion brings us one step closer to our goal of creating an accessible public transit system for everyone, and I thank our elected representatives for their support in making it possible.”
Starting in 2024, all new buses being acquired or entering service will have a dedicated stroller space already built in.
The pilot program was first launched in 2023, following its development with the help of disability rights advocates, parents, bus operators, and members of the MTA’s Accessibility and Customer Experience teams, with the goal of addressing rider concerns and creating a more efficient service.
The program is expected to open to all 5,800 buses by 2027 thanks to money from the state. More than 70% of all MTA buses already have this designated stroller area that parents can use.
Widely Approved
It quickly gained popularity and has consistently received an 80% or higher approval rating in customer satisfaction surveys since 2023.
“Parents and caregivers already have enough to deal with, and folding a stroller before boarding the bus shouldn’t be another worry,” said Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon. “Expanding the open stroller program will make daily commutes easier while keeping buses accessible for everyone. Thank you to the MTA for continuing to invest in improvements that make public transit easier and more accessible for families and all New Yorkers.”
It’s the latest push in the city’s attempt to stop the exodus of families with children leaving the five boroughs for the suburbs or other states, citing rising housing and childcare costs.
How do I know if a bus is participating?
Buses participating in the open stroller program are identified by a stroller sticker on the exterior, visible to passengers before boarding. Once inside the bus, the designated space is marked with a similar sticker.
Only one open stroller is allowed at a time. If the space is already occupied, passengers must fold their stroller before boarding.
The stroller area will be located toward the rear of the bus. That’s where there will be seats that can be flipped over to make room for strollers.
What about pets?
In a city where lots of pets are pushed around in strollers too, it begs the question: Can pet owners use the space too?
It did not seem that way, according to MTA President Demetrisu Chrichlow.
“I appreciate the question. I’m just going to say that, while we love our pets, there are proper ways to transport them in our system,” said Crichlow.