We’re making travel with children a little easier by installing designated areas for open strollers on every local and SBS bus in the New York City Transit fleet.
By the end of 2026, all of our over 5,800 buses will have a designated area for a single open stroller near the rear door. Previously, all strollers must be folded before boarding most New York City Transit buses.
Designated stroller areas are separate from wheelchair areas at the front of the bus.
How to use the designated stroller area
Buses with a designated open stroller area have a sticker with a stroller symbol on the outside of the bus, near the front door, so you know whether you need to fold your stroller before you board.
Depending on the type of bus, you’ll either see an open area near the rear door or a pair of flip seats across from the rear door. You’ll see a decal labeling the area as the designated open stroller area marking the space.
Look for this decal marking a space designated for use with an open stroller.
Each bus will have one designated space, for use with one open stroller at a time. If the space is in use already, you must fold your stroller. If your stroller does not fit in the designated area, you must also fold your stroller.
When using the designated stroller area, please:
- Secure your child in the stroller.
- Apply the brakes once the stroller is in position, and keep control of the stroller while the bus is moving.
- Keep the aisle clear.
- Follow operator instructions.
These stroller areas are for use with a stroller only. Do not use the space to place other large objects. When possible, please don’t use the space to ride if you can stand or sit somewhere else on the bus.
On this bus, two seats near the rear door are flipped up so that a stroller can be parked in front of them.
About the program
In 2022, the MTA piloted open stroller space on buses for the first time, retrofitting 142 buses on seven routes with designated stroller space. This initial pilot received positive feedback from customers and bus operators—over 80% of customers who provided feedback supported allowing open strollers on buses, and expanding the pilot to more routes, and operators recorded zero conflicts or safety incidents resulting from the pilot.
The pilot was expanded to over 1,000 buses in 2023, running on 57 routes. Because of the success of retrofitting existing buses with open stroller space, in 2024, the MTA committed to only procuring buses with a designated stroller space built in.
By the end of 2026, all local and SBS buses will have clearly marked open stroller areas.