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To fold or not to fold baby strollers -- that is the MBTA's question

Posted by Martin Finucane  May 2, 2011 02:16 PM
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By Jenna Duncan, Globe Correspondent

The MBTA today launched a survey asking customers whether people should be required to fold their baby strollers before boarding a bus, after some customers complained and a review found that other major transit systems have such a rule.

During recent “Join the GM" sessions at various MBTA stations, officials found that riders' biggest complaint was strollers, said T spokesman Joe Pesaturo.

General Manager Richard A. Davey then requested staff members to look into stroller policies at other transit systems throughout the nation.

MBTA officials found that open strollers were prohibited on buses in four of the five systems they reviewed. The Chicago Transit Authority was the only system that didn't prohibit open strollers – and officials there are reviewing the policy.

Those opposing the idea have taken to Twitter – saying that strollers keep kids safe and help mothers who need to use public transportation. They have also pointed out that riders with large luggage and other parcels take up equal room.

“It’s definitely mixed. There are people with strong feelings on both sides of this,” said Pesaturo. “As the GM has said, and the MBTA website says, your opinion matters, and that’s what will drive this.”

The survey is available here and will be active for the next two weeks, officials said.

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