The Metropolitan Transportation Authority rolled out the first phase of the Open Stroller Pilot program last year, which provided 140 buses with dedicated stroller areas across seven routes in all five boroughs. After 2,500 successful stroller rides, the MTA is expanding the program to approximately 1,000 buses throughout the city.

The feedback from the pilot program has been overwhelmingly positive, with no reported incidents related to open strollers, as well as reports of faster rides on the designated buses.

The MTA noted the successful collaboration with disability rights advocates in ensuring that the open stroller areas do not take away from the necessary space for wheelchairs.

Christine Yearwood, parent and founder of Up-Stand, said, "For the first time, it realistically gives parents and caretakers the opportunity to ride the bus safely. We are so happy to see it expand. The expansion of this program is a true opportunity to continue to build on bringing riders back to transit and invest in families, and to get families to invest in our public transit system in return."

The Transit Workers Union, which has been staunchly opposed to the plan, told News 12 that it remains wary of the possibility that disagreements between riders may lead to bus operators being attacked. The union says it will continue to keep a close eye on the situation.