I have also understood the priority that wheelchairs and their users have on buses so have always been prepared to get off and wait for the next one to allow a person in a wheelchair on, if there is not enough room. I have twins plus a toddler so folding a double buggy and putting them all on my knee will never be an option. When we did have the one and used a single hand fold McClaren it was easy however unless loaded with shopping but it does depend on someone giving up their seat to the parent/carer as its not safe for someone to either stand with a small child in their arms, or for the child to stand by its parent on a moving bus. However, its not easy to get people to do that. We'll never have the ideal world however personally I don't see why modern bus design in London can't be more like that on some of the south coast routes which can accommodate more buggies (and indeed more wheelchairs) which if not used has flip down seats for several passengers. Both wheelchair passengers and children do have certain rights to be guaranteed access to public transport and more able bodied people should be prepared to make way for them.
I am surprised that the driver did not do more to enforce a solution in Dipsolala's example, including refusing to move off unless resolved. He had every right to do so and I'm sure some other passenger would have helped the parent/carer to fold down the buggy?
Brian, how do you know those people were ' ladies' or even ' women? There was no mention of gender within those posts.
If I can find the link for the various consultations going on re buggies v wheelchair users I'll post it here.