Drivers' strike forces Egypt army to operate buses

Cairo: Buses operated by the army have appeared on the streets of the Egyptian capital to transport commuters after drivers of public buses went on strike.

Military authorities have sent 50 buses to shuttle between major squares in Cairo amid public demands that more vehicles be launched into operation to carry stranded passengers, state television reported.

Millions of Egyptians in Cairo and other areas heavily depend on public transportation.

Drivers of public buses started a strike earlier this week after negotiations with the interim government ended inconclusively. The strikers demand better wages and remuneration. Earlier this week, drivers used their buses to block a street near the headquarters of the government.

The strike coincides with a severe fuel shortage that has created long lines of cars and triggered scuffles at petrol stations around the country.

Egypt has been gripped by a wave of labour protests since a popular revolt deposed long-standing president Hosni Mubarak in February last year. The army has been ruling the country since then.