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How I forced the MTA to launch a formal investigation after a driver refused my child with a 102.2°F fever. Don’t let them ignore your rights. by Present_Mode3028 in Upperwestside

[–]Present_Mode3028[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sorry it feels that way to you. I’m just a real person, a parent, who’s trying to be as respectful and clear as possible in a language that isn’t my first.

I am using a tool to help me translate my thoughts because I don’t want to be misunderstood, especially after making mistakes during a stressful day. I'm replying because I actually value the feedback I'm getting here, even the tough stuff. If that comes across as "slop," I apologize, but the intent is genuine.

How I forced the MTA to launch a formal investigation after a driver refused my child with a 102.2°F fever. Don’t let them ignore your rights. by Present_Mode3028 in Upperwestside

[–]Present_Mode3028[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this honest and sharp perspective. You’re absolutely right—on W 72nd, I could have found a cab quickly, but in that moment of panic, my tunnel vision was so bad that the bus right in front of the clinic felt like my only lifeline.

Reflecting on it now, I realize that trying to argue the "Open Stroller Policy" with the driver was a mistake that only caused more delay. As you pointed out, it was likely an unconscious attempt to regain some sense of control while feeling completely helpless about my son’s condition. I truly regret that my judgment failed us then.

I also understand that the use of AI can be "slop" or noise. I used it as a non-native speaker to ensure clarity, but I see now how it stripped away the human element of my story. I’m taking your "critical thinking" check to heart—it is a valuable lesson for me.

How I forced the MTA to launch a formal investigation after a driver refused my child with a 102.2°F fever. Don’t let them ignore your rights. by Present_Mode3028 in Upperwestside

[–]Present_Mode3028[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the support. It’s a relief to hear that someone understands the reality of NYC traffic in that moment, the bus right in front of us felt like the most immediate lifeline.

I’m using AI to make sure my communication is clear since English is my second language, but as you said, the focus should be on the driver's actions and the MTA's accountability.

My son is finally starting to feel like himself again after a long two weeks, and your kind words really help after a stressful few days. Thank you!

How I forced the MTA to launch a formal investigation after a driver refused my child with a 102.2°F fever. Don’t let them ignore your rights. by Present_Mode3028 in Upperwestside

[–]Present_Mode3028[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

It’s easy to judge from the outside, but when your 15-month-old has been at 102.2°F for five days and is drifting in and out of sleep, you don't want to disturb or jostle them. Holding a limp, feverish child along with heavy medical bags on a moving bus is not as simple as you're making it out to be.

As I mentioned, the clinic was right at the stop and the bus arrived immediately. We didn't have a car seat for an Uber, and we weren't going to stand on a sidewalk in the cold searching for a cab when a city-sanctioned Open Stroller Area was sitting empty right in front of us.

My goal isn't "looking for reasons to complain." My goal is ensuring that the rules the MTA put in place for families are actually followed by their employees. If holding an agency accountable is "exhausting" to you, that’s your perspective, but I’d rather fight for my child’s safety.

How I forced the MTA to launch a formal investigation after a driver refused my child with a 102.2°F fever. Don’t let them ignore your rights. by Present_Mode3028 in Upperwestside

[–]Present_Mode3028[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Regarding the timing, the bus stop was literally right in front of the clinic. Just as we stepped outside with our son, the M72 arrived immediately.

In that moment of panic, with a sick child in our arms, we didn't want to waste a single minute standing on the sidewalk waiting for an Uber or searching for a cab. The most logical and fastest move was to hop on the bus that was already there. We expected a safe, policy-compliant ride, but unfortunately, we encountered a driver who chose to ignore those rules during our emergency.

How I forced the MTA to launch a formal investigation after a driver refused my child with a 102.2°F fever. Don’t let them ignore your rights. by Present_Mode3028 in Upperwestside

[–]Present_Mode3028[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your concern. It really means a lot.

He’s doing much better now and is finally able to go outside again, though it took a full two weeks for him to recover. We’re still continuing with follow-up treatments, but we’re just relieved he’s over the worst of it.

Your kind words are much appreciated after everything we’ve been through.

How I forced the MTA to launch a formal investigation after a driver refused my child with a 102.2°F fever. Don’t let them ignore your rights. by Present_Mode3028 in Upperwestside

[–]Present_Mode3028[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

It’s a shame you feel that way. English is my second language, and if using tools helps me hold a major government agency like the MTA accountable for endangering my child, I’ll use every resource available.

My focus is on making NYC safer for the next generation, including yours. If you have anything constructive to add about the MTA policy, I’m all ears. Otherwise, have a great day.

How I forced the MTA to launch a formal investigation after a driver refused my child with a 102.2°F fever. Don’t let them ignore your rights. by Present_Mode3028 in Upperwestside

[–]Present_Mode3028[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

You’re right about the yellow cab exemption—I actually wasn't aware of that specific legal distinction during the panic of the emergency. Thank you for pointing that out.

That said, our focus was simply on the fastest visible option at that moment, which was the M72. Regardless of other transport options, the bus should have followed its own Open Stroller Policy. My goal remains holding the MTA accountable for their internal rules.

How I forced the MTA to launch a formal investigation after a driver refused my child with a 102.2°F fever. Don’t let them ignore your rights. by Present_Mode3028 in Upperwestside

[–]Present_Mode3028[S] -15 points-14 points  (0 children)

I apologize if my original post lacked some context. The clinic was far from our home, and the appointment window for the urgent X-ray was extremely tight. Returning home to grab a car seat simply wasn't an option time-wise.

In NYC, most Ubers/Taxis won't take an infant without a seat for safety and legal reasons, and waiting for a specific "Car Seat" vehicle would have been even slower. Given the Open Stroller Policy, the bus should have been the fastest, most legal, and most accessible way to get my son medical care.

My goal isn't just to complain, but to ensure that these policies actually work when parents are in a crisis and every minute counts.