Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
MTA pilot program will allow open strollers on 7 city bus routes
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Sep 18, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
John Lamparski/Getty Images
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Sep 18, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The MTA will begin allowing parents and care-givers to bring open strollers on some city buses, reversing a long-standing policy that required customers to fold their strollers before boarding.
The new pilot program will roll out next week on seven city bus routes, offering a dedicated area for strollers in place of two existing bus seats. The changes will not impact the priority seating area currently reserved for wheelchair users.
The move follows a campaign by parents, who said the stroller rules unfairly discriminated against those trying to move around the city with small children.
Danielle Avissar, an Upper East Side parent who spoke out about the issue at a recent MTA board meeting, told Gothamist she was heartened by the transit agency’s swift action.
“This has been an issue for many years, and this is something the city really needs,” Avissar said. “I’m very happy we’re seen as valued customers by the MTA, and that we don’t have to break our backs or buy cars or move to the suburbs.”
In response to parent concerns, the MTA said in March that it would consider allowing open strollers in the accessible seating section of buses. But that announcement prompted backlash from disability rights advocates, who said they were forced to rely on the tight accommodations given the lack of subway accessibility.
Transit officials said they arrived at a compromise by removing a pair of seats in the rear of some city buses, creating room for strollers without inconveniencing wheelchair users. On newer bus models, flip-up seats can make space for the carriages.
In a statement, the MTA’s chief accessibility officer, Quemuel Arroyo, said his definition of accessibility “includes parents, children and seniors, as well as riders with disabilities.”
“This pilot program was a direct result of the MTA accessibility and bus teams, disability advocates, parents, and bus operators coming together in a collaborative working group to address a concern that customers felt strongly about,” he added.
The pilot program will impact 142 buses across these seven routes: M31, B1, Bx23, Q50, Q12, S53 and S93. It will run for six months, as the transit agency evaluates any safety concerns.
The ban on bringing unfolded strollers onto city buses will remain in effect for routes not involved in the pilot.
Tagged
new york city
Transport
MTA
news
Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: If you catch a mouse, there are meaner options than feeding it to a bird
Because birds need food, here are your early links: 123 days in the life of a New Jersey porta-potty, Knicks lost but they had cool jerseys, a new "American Girl" novel for adults and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Brad Lander says he's released after Israeli forces detained him during olive harvest
IDF attacks during harvest season have drawn international condemnation.
By
Ryan Kost
News
Brad Lander says he's released after Israeli forces detained him during olive harvest
IDF attacks during harvest season have drawn international condemnation.
By
Ryan Kost
George Washington Bridge reopens after fatal shooting; no arrests made
By
Ryan Kost
NYC’s horse carriage drivers say they feel betrayed as lawmakers set to abolish industry
By
Liam Quigley
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
By
Jessica Gould
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .