New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority buses are becoming more advanced and accessible to all. New Yorkers now have contactless payment options through OMNY, handicap designated seating areas and ramps to allow wheelchair users on. But what the city and the MTA have not taken into consideration are the struggles and inclusion of parents with strollers.

“New Yorkers shared their struggles of transporting their kids around the Big Apple in transit, often relying on the buses because most subway stations do not have elevators. Mothers shared their fears earlier this week of having to hold their babies in their laps, which could become dangerous if a bus crashes and sends passengers flying,” according to AMNY.

With the number of car accidents rising, these mothers present valid points in their rationale.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there was an increase of approximately 12% from the 28,325 fatalities (due to car accidents) projected for the first nine months of 2020.

Parents having to hold multiple items, ranging from shopping bags to diaper bags, makes for an uncomfortable bus ride. Bus drivers don’t help the situation by enforcing the current policy by the MTA, which does not allow for open strollers on the bus.

The policy that does not allow strollers was initially implemented to reduce limited spaces on already crowded buses.

To solve this issue, a designated space for strollers on buses is needed. Just as there are handicap designated spaces, the same should be for strollers. This space would allow parents to easily enter and exit buses.