To Christine Leadman, Kitchissippi ward councillor.
Dear Ms Leadman,
I am writing to express my surprise and disgust at hearing that the transit committee is recommending a 'fold and stow" policy for strollers.
It seems the transit committee believes that taking the bus is a privilege and that unless you adhere to specific conditions, you aren't welcome - even if those conditions are completely unreasonable. As a new mother, I realize how very lucky I am to have a vehicle to allow me to get around. I cannot imagine the challenges faced by a mother relying on public transit in the first place-the awkwardness of using the bus, the struggles of managing a child and stroller in bad weather, and not at all least the attitudes towards mothers and children prevalent in society (ie-sit down and shut up) as evidenced by this policy. It is simply not reasonable to expect a person to manage removing a child and collapsing and stowing a stroller on a moving bus. It seems to me that those who are complaining are doing so out of a sense of entitlement for their own convenience, without regard to the difficulties of others.
Parenting is a reality in this world. This policy seems to expect that children be made invisible, so as to not inconvenience other riders, at huge inconvenience to the parent. Where is the basic fairness in this? Not to mention safety. I must wonder if anyone recommending this policy has actually attempted to carry out the actions they're expecting parents - and let's face it, primarily mothers - to carry out. Awkward at least, downright dangerous at worst.
Transit in this city is meant to serve all, not just those who are 'easy' to deal with. This policy is wrong-headed and at its base, clearly sexist. I certainly hope I hear your voice dissenting against this policy.
Regards,
Shannon McKarney
RESPONSE from Ms Leadman's Office:
Hello Ms. McKarney,
Thank you for sending your email. You do make some valid points. As a
member of Transit Committee, Councillor Leadman has been following this
issue very closely.
While she does not want to see parents unable to travel with their young
children, she also acknowledges the argument being made by the Seniors'
Advisory Committee and Accessibilty Advisory Committee. She is hopeful
that some kind of compromise can be reached.
I will pass your comments along to her so she has them for her
information and consideration as this issue is discussed tomorrow and at
City Council.
Kindest regards,
Jennifer Young
Office of Christine Leadman
City Councillor for Kitchissippi Ward
MY RESPONSE:
Thanks for responding to my email. Truly, a policy of "let's all use our brains and be kind to each other" would go a much longer way to enable all users of the transit system to ride comfortably and safely, rather than a punitive set of rules that inconvenience and endanger mothers with children.
Why not simply encourage stroller use in off-peak hours so that fuller buses aren't an issue? Why not educate other riders who are also not accommodating to seniors or those with limited disability (as I've seen with my own eyes)? Why not a public information campaign that will educate not only regular riders on bus etiquette, but also educate stroller-wielding mothers on the best ways to ride the transit system in comfort and safety (what to look for in a transit-friendly stroller; tips on what the best times are to ride a bus with a stroller, etc.)? Or if it's that big of a deal, if Mom wants to take an extra large stroller, why not charge an extra fare to take an extra spot? Then she can certainly say that her stroller has as much right to be there as anyone else does.
Plenty of other cities across Canada accommodate strollers without leaving mothers out in the cold. Ottawa shouldn't be one of those who chooses to punish people for the egregious sin of having a child in their company.
Regards,
Shannon McKarney
11 things to say:
Maybe they should enforce a similar policy for wheelchairs and walkers.
Perhaps not being from canada I'm missing some other part of this story. However as a mother and a long time bus rider (I don't have a car) I can tell you that it is much, much safer for the child to not be in the stroller. I cannot tell you how many times I've seen people slam into the stroller, hit babies with their giant bags, or have seen a stroller fly forward when a bus has to come to a swift stop.
As a mother and someone who has done significant work in the area of accessibility policies and accessible travel, I know that there is no easy solution to this problem. There is no one policy that will meet the needs of everyone and ensure that bus drivers have a one-size-fits-all set of rules that they can apply consistently. That sucks, it really does, but I don't see any way around it.
Similar policies for wheelchairs and walkers (as one commenter suggested) is completely unreasonable. I *can* take my baby out of the stroller and stow it. I *can* use a sling instead of a stroller. It may be inconvenient. It may be difficult if I have another child with me or have bags of groceries. But as unreasonable as it is, it is more reasonable than suggesting that someone who needs a wheelchair should get out of it and fold it up.
I wish parents were less reliant on strollers. I think if more people were babywearing that perhaps the volume of strollers on the bus would be small enough that this wouldn't be a big issue. I have used a stroller on occasion, but it has never been my main way of getting around with my kids. They got carried when they were little and walked once they were big enough.
Gatineau put a picture of a mom using a wrap on the bus on the main page of the print version of its schedules, pamphlets, etc. Not an overt message/policy/set of rules, but a subliminal message that wearing your baby is a great way to ride the bus.
If parents are required to take their child out of the stroller and then stow said stroller, then the bus driver better wait until the parent (most likely mom) is settled in her seat before moving on.
I think some education is required here for all bus passengers. I have taken public transportation for years...having only in the past two years started driving on a regular basis...so I've seen first hand how difficult it can be for mothers, seniors and disabled people to navigate a full bus.
The Anonymous poster makes a point about the safety of children in strollers. And so does Annie at @phdin parenting re: babywearing. Having your child snuggled up close to you is the best place for the child to be.
But if you're juggling a child and groceries, sometimes a stroller is just easier on the back. And if you have groceries with you, it's just easier to keep the child in the stroller.
This is of course just one point of view on the issue but I do think some compassion all around is required. As Shannon states, some public education on the matter would probably help.
I'm in Australia so can't comment on Canadian policy; by I don't have a car so I rely on public transport, trains, mostly buses. I have found it easier all round in I just wear my toddler as Annie suggested. No probs with strollers or folding or taking up room. We sit where we like and don't have to struggle with a stroller up and down stairs.
Plus I like to see the front seats used for elderly people or people with a disability that can't sit down the rest of the bus.
But I so do agree with your letter.
A few comments. First, that stroller is carrying more than the kid, it may also include a diaper bag, food bag, change of clothes, groceries etc. If you can tell me how to remove everything, fold the stroller and stow the stroller and baggage in a way that doesn't equally inconvenience travellers I'd like to know.
Second, I have a bad back, as of 7 months I was unable to wear my baby. To suggest that all mothers can wear their babies until their old enough to walk everywhere (30 to 40 lbs) is frankly ableist.
Third, I have been told by another (male) passenger that I should not be on the bus at rush hour (he actually compared my stroller and child to his bike). To say this is ridiculous, if I'm out in the afternoon it will inevitably be rush hour when I go home to make supper. Not to mention I may have just picked my kid up from daycare. Life isn't perfect everyone will be inconvenienced sometimes and trust me, being the one with the stroller is a bigger hassle than being the one squeezing past it.
The reality is, women use strollers.
The next reality is, women use buses. Particularly lower income women.
All implementing this policy will do is allow bus drivers to refuse to take these women if their strollers do not collapse or if they deem them too big. Basically, it will prevent women with young children from using the bus, full stop.
How is that anything other than discrimination?
Walk.
Maybe you should quit btching so much and get a friggin car. If you can't affford a car and must rely on a bus paid for by the rest of society, then learn to live with the rules. what a bunch of whiners
@Vernon - thanks for commenting. As the transportation policy stated, an atmosphere of inclusiveness, co-operation and respect is crucial to work out this and many issues within our society. Great to see you're on board.
hate to be slow to joining the party but I can't believe that this is something that is even an issue! Yes, strollers are a pain, even for those of us who use them. I hate that the main reason I got a car was because I was going to have a child and did not want to deal with the hassle of carting around a child, a bag, groceries etc on transit. Baby wearing is wonderful and we have done it, but sometimes, it's not the best way of moving our children around.
this is like telling fat people who use scooters to not ride the bus.
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