Microbus drivers and owners in Sharqiya began a strike Saturday to protest an alleged increase of their annual taxes to LE6000.
The strike delayed many students and workers who use microbuses for their daily commutes.
Security personnel were present in large numbers at microbus stations, in an attempt to force drivers to work. While some acquiesced and allowed people to board their buses, others parked in hidden places.
Residents of Sharqiya rely heavily on microbuses for transportation, and were forced to use trucks, vans and public buses to reach their destinations.
Talaat Sebaie, an official at a microbus stop, said the strike protests a tax increase. He said that drivers and owners pay monthly installments and fines that total LE16,000 per month, on top of the costs of car repairs.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
