MTA Annouced Their Pilot Program Will Allow More Open Strollers Across The City

As it enters its second phase, the MTA's pilot program that allows open strollers on city buses will dramatically increase, according to officials.

Bus.Photo byWallpaper Flare Creative Commons

On 57 routes throughout the city, local and particular service buses will be modified with specific stroller places.

The MTA introduced its "Open Stroller" program in September of last year in order to make room on some city buses for an open stroller. The program was expanded in January to include 1,000 buses spread out across the five boroughs.

On municipal buses, a stroller room is provided by flipping up two adjacent seats in a location apart from the current priority bus seating and wheelchair accessibility. The MTA stated that it aims to have stroller space on all 57 routes by fall 2023.

The Bus Routes With Open Steller Space

The bus lines with open stroller spaces are as follows:

1. Brooklyn: B1, B3, B6/6 LTD, B36, B64, and B74 are all in Brooklyn.
2. Bronx: Bx6, Bx6 SBS, Bx8, Bx11, Bx17, Bx19, Bx21, Bx23, Bx27, Bx31, Bx32, Bx33, Bx35, Bx36/36LTD, and Bx46 are all addresses in the Bronx.
3. Manhattan: M15, M31, M101, M102, M103, and M125.
4. Queens: Q12, Q13, Q15, Q15A, Q16, Q20A, Q20B, Q26, Q28, Q31, Q32, Q44 SBS, Q48, Q50LTD, and Q76 are all Queens.
5. Staten Island: S40, S42, S46, S48, S51, S52, S53, S66, S76, S81 LTD, S86 LTD, S90 LTD, S93 LTD, S96 LTD, and S98 LTD are all Staten Island-specific.

Over 4,000 Strollers In The City

According to the agency, over 4,000 strollers have been carried on board thus far after it requested bus drivers on routes taking part in the open stroller trial to monitor stroller usage. No recorded safety problems or disagreements, according to the MTA. Locating a stroller decal on the outside of the bus will allow parents and carers to determine whether a bus has space for strollers.

The spot is marked with a comparable decal once inside the bus, according to the agency. Bus lines not participating in the test program will continue to follow the current stroller regulation, which allows only closed strollers inside the bus.

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