CTA Buses and Strollers Question

Hi, M.. I think that you got a nasty bus driver, as we all do from time to time. What I get more often are the nasty glare of fellow riders. Even when I do fold my umbrella stroller, it seems to stick out a little, though I make certain never to completely block an aisle. As much as it stung in the beginning and still does from time to time, I have learned to just shake off the stares, the under-the-breath comments, and the rare direct address. In the end, I think I feel sorry for anyone who is that angry with themselves and the world that they cannot have a little empathy for anyone.

I agree with the other moms, that a carrier would probably be a great idea when moving around while the baby is small. Also, I wouldn't hesitate to make complaints (that included employee numbers if noted) to the CTA.

Don't let it stop you from having fun and going out! Enjoy the summer and the closeness you are creating with your baby!

Chicago Transit Authority's "Policies and Practices" regarding children in strollers:

Children in open strollers are welcome on CTA, however we encourage parents to be considerate of other customers and adhere to these rules when traveling with a stroller.

Keep strollers clear of aisles and doorways aboard buses and trains.

Seniors and customers with disabilities have priority use of the Priority Seating area aboard buses and trains. If these seats are not in use, open strollers may be parked in this area. This will help you to avoid blocking the aisle. Please yield this space if a customer with disabilities, a senior, or a person using a mobility device wishes to board. On buses, you may request use of the access ramp or lift to help you board and exit.

Please fold your stroller in the event that a bus or train becomes crowded, in order to make room for others. Be aware that in the event that a bus or train is crowded, a CTA employee may ask you to fold your stroller or wait for another vehicle. Please follow their instructions. Also, during certain periods of high ridership, we may require that all strollers be folded before you board.

Children in an open stroller should be seated and secured in the stroller before boarding the bus or train.

Note that strollers are never allowed on escalators. If traveling with an open stroller in a multi-level facility, please use elevators or ramps where available. On train station platforms, position your stroller parallel to the platform edge (not facing it), use wheel locks/brakes and stay with it at all times.

Please also see: http://abilitychicagoinfo.blogspot.com/2012/04/baby-strol...

I was always afraid to be one of those people who takes a huge stroller on the bus and takes up a bunch of space, so I normally carried our little guy in a Baby Bjorn or a Moby wrap. However I see so many people on my daily bus who never fold up a stroller during rush hour so it sounds like your driver was just being very picky about it. Were you blocking an aisle or a doorway? That would be the only reason to really fold it up if there was no safe place for people to pass by.

I'd get an Ergo and forgo the stroller for a while. It's so much easier on buses and trains! Hands free and no hassle. And your baby is close to you :)

You could print that out and keep it on you in case the situation comes up again, but it's not going to make the driver any more helpful or prevent the rudeness. I've been on the bus when they've lowered it for people with strollers just as they do for wheelchairs. I have not ridden the bus by myself with more than 1 child, but with my husband, we always fold the strollers and store them in that front section when you get on the bus. Even if you avoid rush hour, the buses still get very crowded since there have been many cuts in CTA service, and it can be so hard to maneuver a stroller if the bus is crowded. I would carry the baby in a sling or carrier as suggested; if your stroller has a carrying strap, you could leave your house with the baby in the carrier then open up the stroller once you're off the bus.

Hi M.,

It sounds like you had a really frustrating experience! I live near downtown and try to avoid using my car. We've taken the bus with our older daughter in a stroller (during non-peak times), kept it open, and never had a problem. I usually put up the "Priority Seating" seats to stay out of the way. And I take the L, too. As long as there's an elevator, it's easy to do. I haven't taken my newborn with the stroller on the bus, though (I have on the L), because it's much easier just to wear him in a front carrier. That way we avoid the issue. But I hope that you just had a nasty bus driver and that the situation won't repeat itself!

Also, at least in my neighborhood, people are generally very nice and helpful when you ride the bus w/ a stroller (especially if you have to fold it up).

Again, I hope it was an isolated experience, and that it won't repeat itself!

Best,
R.

Not sure what's official, but I generally try and put my stroller where the fold-up handicapped seats are located if I can't fold it up (ie baby is sleeping in it or whatever). The challenge is that if those seats are taken and/or bus is crowded, you have to wait for the next bus. The alternate possibility is to fold the stroller before the bus comes and put baby in a sling or carrier until you can get off again.