SEPTA Introduces ‘Stroller Spot’ Areas on Select Philadelphia Bus Routes for Family-Friendly Travel
Starting March 12, 2025, Philly buses will have new spots set aside for strollers. SEPTA is rolling out these spaces on six bus routes in the coming weeks.
Blue signs and stickers will mark the stroller areas on routes 23, 25, 32, 49, 58, and 84. These spots need to fit strollers up to 26 inches wide and 36 inches long – roughly the size of a typical double stroller.
“It was important for us to get input from both our customers about how they navigate these spaces – along with our operators, who need to be able to ensure we are maintaining safety and accessibility for everyone,” said Scott A. Sauer, Interim General Manager, to SEPTA News.
Bus operators will keep an eye on these spots. Parents need to put their stroller brakes on and stay with their kids. When families need help, drivers can drop the ramps to make getting on and off easier.
Last October, SEPTA updated its rules to let parents keep strollers unfolded on buses when there’s room. The new spots won’t take away from seats meant for passengers who need mobility assistance.
Making buses more family-friendly is what this change is all about. Community groups spent years pushing SEPTA for these changes. The updates line up with what SEPTA promised in their Forward Strategic Plan and their guidelines for small-wheeled transport.
When parents with strollers get on, other riders need to give up these marked spots. Kids must be supervised, and walkways need to stay clear. SEPTA put together quick videos showing how to use the spots properly.
By making buses more convenient for parents with little ones, SEPTA is taking a big step toward helping all its riders. They’re creating a system that works better for everyone who relies on city transit.