All Local and SBS Buses Will Have Dedicated Stroller Space by End of the Year

Expansion Made Possible By $1.5 Million in Secured Funding from Four State Elected Officials

Builds on MTA’s Commitment to Make Transit Accessible for All

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View B-Roll of Dedicated Open Stroller Space

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the expansion of its popular Open Stroller pilot to include all Local and SBS buses across the five boroughs. The program provides parents and caregivers with a clearly marked space – separate from existing priority seating for wheelchair users – where they can ride without needing to fold their stroller.

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Buses are currently being retrofitted on a depot-by-depot basis with stroller spaces, either as an open space near the rear door or as a space created by flipping up two side-by-side seats, depending on the bus model.  As of 2024, all new buses in procurement or purchased for service come with a dedicated stroller space already built in.

This expansion was made possible by a $1.5 million grant from State lawmakers including Senator Andrew Gounardes and former Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (current Manhattan Borough President) and Assembly Members Nily Rozic and Jo Anne Simon.

“The expansion of the Open Stroller program allows us to make buses more accessible for more riders while providing fast, safe, reliable service for New Yorkers and their families,” said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “We understand even the youngest New Yorkers have places to be and we’re ensuring our bus network continues to get them there.”

“The Open Stroller program expands access to our bus network for parents and caregivers traveling with children in strollers while preserving equitable access for riders who use mobility devices like me,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “This expansion brings us one step closer to our goal of creating a transit system that is accessible for everyone, and I thank our elected partners for their support in making it possible.”

First launched as a pilot in 2023, the Open Stroller program was developed after working with disability advocates, parents, bus operators, and members of the MTA’s Accessibility and Customer Experience teams to address rider concerns and create more streamlined service. It quickly gained in popularity and has continually received an 80% or higher approval rating in customer surveys since 2023.

Buses participating in the Open Stroller program are identified by a stroller decal on the outside of the bus that customers can easily see before boarding. Once inside the bus, the designated space is marked with a similar decal. There can only be one open stroller at a time. If the space is in use already, customers must still fold their stroller prior to boarding.

“As a father, I know firsthand: being a parent is challenging enough. It can be a nightmare when you’re trying to shepherd your kids around the city, rushing to school or the doctor’s office, only to find there’s no room for you on the bus. With this program, we make life a little bit easier and a little less stressful for families,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “Our transit system belongs to all New Yorkers, and it should be accessible to all New Yorkers, including New York’s cutest. This investment in New York’s families is an investment in New York’s future. Thanks to the MTA for their work to bring this program to fruition.”

“Every parent or caregiver knows that getting around the city with a young child can be challenging, and something as simple as boarding a bus shouldn’t add unnecessary stress,” said Assembly Member Nily Rozic. “That’s why I was proud to have secured state funding for the Open Stroller program expansion across New York City’s bus network as a meaningful investment in making public transit more accessible, convenient, and welcoming for families. Ensuring more of us can travel safely and with greater ease strengthens our transit system and makes it work for everyone.”

“Parents and caregivers already have enough to carry, and folding a stroller before boarding the bus shouldn’t have to be one more thing,” said Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon. “Expanding the Open Stroller program will make everyday trips easier while keeping buses accessible for everyone. Thank you to the MTA for continuing to invest in user-friendly improvements that make public transit more family-friendly and easier for all New Yorkers.”

“Like most parents, I’ve been there when you’re on a bus without room for both your baby and your stroller,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “So I’m thrilled the MTA is expanding the Open Stroller program to all Local and Select Bus Services across New York City. In the State Senate, I fought hard to secure over $1.5 million for this expansion, which provides parents and caregivers with a clearly marked space so they can easily ride the bus without having to fold their stroller. I’m grateful to MTA Chair Janno Lieber, Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo, and Department of Buses Executive Vice President Frank Farrell for championing this investment, which will deliver a safer, stress-free passenger experience for thousands of families.”

“With a permanent Open Stroller policy coming to buses citywide, many more New Yorkers can look forward to easier access to the promise of transit and to all the necessities and opportunities that the city offers,” said Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum. “MTA leaders gathered stakeholder input, widely piloted the new program, proved a concept, and responsibly expanded it further. We’re very pleased to see this inclusive program now becoming a permanent part of our public infrastructure and welcoming the newest New Yorkers aboard.”

“We are so excited about the expansion and formalization of the Open Stroller policy onboard MTA buses,” said UP-STAND Founder and CEO Christine Serdjenian Yearwood. “This policy came about through the hard work of so many stakeholders who recognized how life-changing this accommodation could be for caregivers and young children in New York City. Today, we are giving families a more certain, safe, and equitable mode to physically reach and fully participate in our great city.”