Many New Yorkers have to walk blocks with their children because they find it difficult to board a bus with their strollers.
Zenaida Zurita, a mother of four, told us that she relies on public transportation to get them to school and medical appointments, but has had a hard time trying to drive her open car onto MTA buses.
“The one on the bus told me that I had to roll up the stroller and the baby was six months old and since she is a special girl with Down syndrome, I had to do it and I did feel bad,” Zurita said. “I couldn’t explain to He who had a special girl and who had to go in the stroller, but to avoid fighting and for my safety and that of other people, I did it.”
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This is something that could soon change as the “Open Stroller” pilot program, which launched in September last year with 142 buses, will expand to 1,000 across the city in the coming weeks.
“Feedback from our riders and operators has been overwhelmingly positive and we have not had any incidents involving open strollers on our pilot buses,” said Frank Annicaro, NYC Transit vice president of buses.
Inside the bus, the designated space will be identified with a sign that specifies its use.
The area will be separated from wheelchair seating, which will remain at its current number.
“It’s really important that families in the city have this level of accessibility and it’s also important that people in the disability community be able to do it,” said Councilwoman Julie Menin.
The councilor put a message on social networks commenting on the measure.
“As a working mom, mother of 4, and the daughter of a disabled parent, I know how difficult it can be to travel with children and people with disabilities. Stopping requiring a stroller to be folded is a necessary adaptation for all passengers. Maddie and I We look forward to @MTA expanding this program,” the councilwoman wrote.
As a working mom, parent of 4 and daughter of a disabled father, I know how hard it can be to travel w/ kids and those who are disabled. No longer requiring a stroller be folded is a necessary accommodation for all riders. Maddie and I look forward to @MTA expanding this program! pic.twitter.com/vD94RqE5am
— Julie Menin (@JulieMenin) January 24, 2023
According to the MTA, buses that are part of the program will have a sign with a stroller on the outside of the vehicle and will be easily visible before boarding.
At the moment, the MTA is studying the neighborhoods where these buses will be most needed.
“That we can all feel this expansion equally in each county but we are also focusing on a service for those communities where we see more cars,” explained Quemuel Arroyo, director of accessibility for the MTA.
