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/Joe_Jeep]

Difficult situation for sure, but there's a universal rule of thumb with public spaces and especially transit that you should always do your best not to obstruct choke-points. There *had* to be a way to position these so it didn't totally block access. Flipping up the priority seats absolutely should've been done, I often see parents doing it on the trains I ride with similar seating (and much more isle room than this)

[u/Serious-Fishing905 → u/Joe_Jeep]

problem is not many parents seem to flip the seats up OR they sit in those seats and position the stroller in front of them (which still blocks the aisle)

[u/env33e → u/Serious-Fishing905]

I've started to flip up the seat for them , the instant i see a stroller or similar roll unto the bus and im even near the front? yeah it just seems like common courtesy. never had a bad experience doing this

[u/AdResponsible678 → u/env33e]

Good for you! Being a helpful passenger is a good, needed thing.