Metro now welcomes open strollers on Metrobus

Metro’s youngest customers and those traveling with them now have one less barrier to a stress-free ride on Metrobus. Metro today announced that effective immediately, open strollers are welcome on Metrobus, replacing a policy that required strollers to be folded before boarding.

The public is invited to learn more about the policy and enjoy kid-friendly giveaways tomorrow, March 7, from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. near Eastern Market Station at Pennsylvania Avenue and 8th St. SE. Metrobus employees and Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke will provide coloring books, snacks, and other handouts while supplies last.

“Metro is committed to making transit accessible and convenient for everyone, and that includes those traveling with young children,” Clarke said. “This family-friendly initiative relieves a hardship many parents told us they face when riding Metrobus, and we hope it encourages more families to choose Metro.”

The policy change follows feedback from customers, consultation with Metro employees, Local 689, Local 922, and engagement with the Riders Advisory Council and the Accessibility Advisory Council. Metro reviewed best practices for open stroller policies at other transit agencies, including the District’s Circulator, Montgomery County’s Ride On, and DASH.

Metro estimates that about five percent of trips – around 18,000 a day -- involve customers using Metrobus to take their children to and from daycares and schools or running errands to grocery stores. Allowing open strollers makes Metrobus an even better transit option for families and everyone traveling with young children.

Those traveling on Metrobus with strollers should utilize the priority seating area with the stroller brakes locked while the bus is in motion. Strollers must not block aisles or doorways, and should be held on to at all times.

People with disabilities and seniors will continue to have first priority in the priority seating area. Metrobus operators will maintain discretion to ask that a stroller be moved or folded if they determine it is compromising the safety of other passengers.