By 5 Towns Central Staff
NEW YORK, N.Y. (Aug. 6, 2026) — Regional transit authorities announced an initiative to implement dedicated open stroller spaces across the entire municipal surface bus network, ending a long-standing requirement that forced parents and caregivers to collapse carriages before boarding.
Under the expanded program, every local and Select Bus Service vehicle in the municipal fleet will feature a designated interior space equipped to accommodate an open, unfolded stroller while the bus is in transit. The layout modification utilizes dedicated space or flip-up seating areas separate from wheelchair accessibility sections, allowing families to remain seated alongside young children without obstructing passenger aisles. Participating buses will display visible exterior signage near entry doors indicating the available space.
The policy shift addresses years of feedback from suburban and urban commuters who expressed that removing children and collapsing strollers near vehicle doors presented significant logistical hurdles, particularly for individuals traveling alone. Previous regulations required all strollers to be fully closed prior to fare payment and boarding.
Initial testing of the dedicated spaces began as a limited pilot initiative. Following positive community feedback and a demonstrated lack of operational conflicts, state support enabled transportation officials to fund a complete rollout across thousands of active fleet vehicles. Community leaders and transit advocates praised the permanent expansion as an essential step toward enhancing overall system accessibility and convenience for families navigating public transportation.