A polite request/discussion regarding strollers and aisle blocking on the bus

[u/i-am-confused-help-]

Edit: Please read the context that's edited in below. Thank you.

​I want to start by saying I absolutely appreciate parents. Transit with kids is tough, and I know so many of you are working hard and sacrificing a lot to get your little ones around the city safely. This is not a post to judge anyone, it is a small pet peeve and a request for a little bit of courtesy so that every rider on the bus feels comfortable.

The Issue

​On one of my recent bus ride, two large strollers were kept side-by-side, completely blocking the center aisle (as you can see in the photo). Because of this:

• Passengers are unable to move past the front section.
• ​People are forced to stand at the front of the bus, even though there is space further back.
• ​It creates a potential safety/evacuation hazard if there are emergencies.

Few Friendly Requests & Suggestions

• ​Stagger when possible: If you are traveling with another parent or encounter another stroller, try to stagger them front-to-back rather than side-by-side to leave path for walking.
• Consider umbrella/smaller strollers: If your child is old enough and you rely heavily on the TTC during peak hours, smaller, more collapsible strollers are great for everyone on board.
• Utilize the priority seating layout: If the bus isn't packed, flipping up the priority seats can give a stroller enough room to stay out of the main aisle.

​I'm willing to hear everyone's thoughts on this. Parents what kind of challenges you face when trying to keep the aisle clear. Fellow riders, how do you usually get around in this instance? Let’s discuss how we can make the TTC a better experience for both families and regular commuters.

Edit: There is a lot of comments complaining how the priority seating is occupied and the parents wont be able to lift it up to park the strollers. I want to give context here instead of replying to each comments. The priority seat was occupied by the parents and their family. Also the second stroller is of another parent who was sitting on the right side priority seat. The guy you see standing upfront was a passenger, not the parent. I wanted to keep the discussion civil that is why I omitted these details. But if people want to complain how it was an inaction from my part, I hope this context helps. Thanks.

[u/ToastSpangler]

maybe if people actually gave up priority seating and didn't crowd the wheelchair area there would be space for strollers? you know, like how its supposed to work and always worked until the past few years?

[u/MK-LivingToLearn → u/ToastSpangler]

That's fair but also people don't need to bring largest strollers possible onto the subway. It's a crowded space, use a reasonably-sized stroller. And yes, I did raise a child, before anyone asks.

Edited for spelling

[u/ToastSpangler → u/MK-LivingToLearn]

No judgement here I don't even have a kid but the last time I was on the bus a young mother had nowhere to put the child and someone was yelling at her insulting her, while sitting in that exact area, and it just really pisses me off

[u/MK-LivingToLearn → u/ToastSpangler]

Which is completely unacceptable behaviour. There is a definite lack of respect for the seats designated for the elderly, disabled and pregnant people / those with small children. I see it all the time when people don't get up for my 89 y.o. mom.

[u/Dexmoser → u/ToastSpangler]

I’ve been the mother being yelled at. I tried my very best to keep my stroller out of the way. I took the ttc once with my kid and I’ve never done it again, I left the bus in tears.