The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has announced that it will be commencing the second phase of its Open Stroller Pilot Program, which will expand the number of buses with designated stroller spaces in Brooklyn and the other boroughs by fall 2023.
Following a successful initial phase, the MTA says that it is retrofitting upwards of 1,000 additional NYC buses — which are a part of 57 routes in all five boroughs — with dedicated stroller spaces, allowing riders with young children to board without having to fold their strollers first.
The Brooklyn bus routes that will feature an open stroller space include B1, B3, B6/6 LTD, B36, B64 and B74, all of which operate out of the Ulmer Park bus depot.
Similar to the previous phase of the pilot, the added stroller spaces on buses will either consist of an open area near the rear door or a space that is created by flipping up two side-by-side seats, depending on the type of bus.
“This expansion is a win for bus customers. The Open Stroller Program has demonstrated that we can make buses more accessible to all customers while providing faster, cleaner, and safer service,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey.
“As we expand, more and more bus customers will benefit from enhanced accessibility, especially for parents and caregivers."
Since the start of the pilot program last fall, the MTA says that it had received over 200 customer comments about the stroller policy through its online feedback form, with four out of five riders expressing support for having stroller spaces and/or expanding the program to more buses and routes.
The MTA added that customers and bus operators both reported quicker and easier boarding experiences, more comfortable bus rides, as well as an increase in positive interactions with other riders on the pilot program routes.
The buses that are a part of the pilot program will be identifiable via a stroller decal that can be found on the outside of the vehicle, as well as a similar decal on the inside that indicates the designated space.
The dedicated stroller spaces are completely separate from the existing priority seating for bus passengers with disabilities, meaning that riders that utilize wheelchairs, walkers, etc. will have the same amount of designated spaces allotted to them.
“I ride the B1 and other buses in south Brooklyn every day, and I see the need for the stroller space,” said Advisory Committee for Transit Accessibility member Chris Greif.
“I am glad to see the MTA expanding this program and making sure there is space for parents and families, separate from the priority seating area for people with wheelchairs, walkers, or other disabilities.”
