A BUS full of passengers was brought to a halt in the city centre for 25 minutes - because of a row about a pushchair.

Police officers even arrived at the scene as the dispute dragged on, after Wendy Saint first refused to collapse her daughter's buggy, then ignored a demand to leave the bus.

The 33-year-old, who was with her daughter, Liberty, aged two, wants a "face-to-face" apology from the First York driver, claiming she did nothing to provoke the incident. She described it as "very embarrassing".

First York has written to her, apologising for the "unnecessary confrontational situation" and "heavy-handed" way it was dealt with.

The bus company sent free journey vouchers, but defended its stance on keeping gangways free in case of emergencies.

The commotion started shortly after Wendy got on the 2.10pm, No 16 bus to Fossway, in Stonebow last Thursday, and paid her £1.10 fare.

"The driver said I had to fold my pushchair down. But there was enough room. I put my pushchair into the normal slot. There were two other pushchairs as well," explained Wendy, of Fossway. "She said again I had to put it down."

Wendy refused and the dispute continued, leading the driver to ask her to get off the bus.

"I said I wasn't getting off because I hadn't been abusive. She said she was going to get the police. I ignored her and started taking my baby out of the push chair. Then I folded it.

"A policewoman came. She said she couldn't arrest me because I hadn't done anything wrong. The police didn't even take my name or address. Then another policewoman came and tried to persuade me to get off the bus.

"The police picked my shopping up and walked off with it - so I had to get off."

Wendy, who caught the next bus, said: "I want a face-to-face confrontation. I was embarrassed and the other customers on the bus were saying I wasn't doing anything wrong. The bus was held up for 25 minutes while all this was going on. The whole experience was shocking."

A York Police spokesman confirmed that officers attended, but no formal action was taken.

Peter Edwards, of First York, said: "Safety is of paramount importance. The vehicles only have space for two unfolded buggies. If someone obstructs any gangway it makes it extremely difficult if we have to evacuate the vehicle.

"Some drivers are filled with dread when they know they have two buggies on board and see another coming. Some people are not prepared to take no for an answer. It is unfortunate when this arises, because the driver is within his rights not to take the vehicle further."

Of Miss Saint, he said: "She complied with the request by the time the police arrived. We are sorry the situation arose, but our people have a job to do, often under very difficult circumstances."

In December, Tina Hewitt, 28, and her two young children had travelled less than a mile on a York to Strensall Rider York bus when they were asked to get off because her buggy was blocking the door. She had stood at the front with her buggy which did not collapse, but said the driver should not have let them on if there was not enough room.

Mr Edwards said at the time that the incident would be investigated, but again stressed the company's health and safety policy.

Updated: 10:34 Wednesday, May 11, 2005