From April 2, parents with open strollers will be allowed to wheel them directly onto public buses.

This was announced by Second Minister for Transport Ng Chee Meng at the 2017 Committee of Supply debate in Parliament on Wednesday.

Previously, says Ng, many parents and caregivers have given feedback about the inconveniences caused by the need to fold up strollers before boarding buses, as compared to trains, where this has for a long time been allowed.

Safety guidelines

But of course, there are some guidelines that you'll have to be aware of and follow to ensure the safety of your children:

1) The size of your stroller should not exceed 120cm x 70cm.

2) Parents/caregivers are responsible for their own children's safety

Goes without saying, for all parts of the bus journey.

3) Priority still goes to passengers in wheelchairs.

They will be given priority to board the bus, before parents with open strollers.

Ramps will not be deployed unless necessary for the strollers.

The bus captain can be approached for assistance regardless.

4) Alert the captain if you're boarding by the rear, and alight by the rear.

Don't forget to tap your card in front.

5)If the bus is already crowded before boarding, you might still have to fold your stroller before getting on.

You will not have to do so if it gets crowded when the stroller is already on the bus.

6) Place the stroller at the designated wheelchair space

Apply brakes and use a restraint if applicable. Remember, wheelchair users will still be given priority, so passengers may be requested to give way for wheelchair-bound passengers.

7) Don't block the entry or exit of the bus.

You are not allowed to park the stroller at the aisle of the upper deck of a bus, as that obstructs movement too.

Top image adapted via Wikipedia Commons and Land Transport Authority.

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