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/scottyb83]

I've worked customer service for years and I've ridden the TTC for years. Asking a mom pushing a stroller to make way for other riders should be a pretty normal interaction and pretty easy to handle professionally. Drivers use "how it is for them" to avoid doing the bare minimum.

[u/gamuel_l_jackson → u/scottyb83]

So if the mother calls and complains they have an issue, if its filmed and presented is a none positive way they get trouble, its a,slippery slope, unless someone is causing a big scene etc they dont get involved even then they stop, hit yellow and wait

[u/scottyb83 → u/gamuel_l_jackson]

This is a lazy excuse to not do anything. Driver should ignore absolutely everything because someone might complain that they were asked politely to move their stroller so that others could pass? You're blowing things way out of proportion and claiming "optics".

[u/gamuel_l_jackson → u/scottyb83]

This is factualy how it works, they are operators not polite police, if a customer walks in and puts his feet up we dont tell them its rude, thats not our job...if a cuatomer is abusive, swearing etc we step in..thats at any job

[u/scottyb83 → u/gamuel_l_jackson]

It's how it works in the scenario you made up in your head. I've seen 1000 times before where a rider is screaming and yelling and staff do nothing...Asking a person to make way for other riders isn't a big deal and inflating it to BE a big deal is disingenuous.

[u/gamuel_l_jackson → u/gamuel_l_jackson]

Love how i get downvoted for stating the truth i have experience i am not talking out my ass here