Rio de Janeiro - Hundreds of thousands of bus passengers in Brazil's second largest city have been stranded as Rio de Janeiro's drivers begin a 48-hour strike demanding higher pay.
Tuesday's strike has renewed concerns about public services and safety in Rio and the other cities that will host World Cup games that begins less than a month away.
Last week, Rio bus drivers staged a 24-hour strike and warned they would walk off their jobs again if officials fail to meet their demands, which include a 40 percent pay hike.
The trade association representing Rio de Janeiro's bus companies says at least 10 buses have been damaged by rock throwing strikers who have paralyzed traffic with road blocks and demonstrations.
The association says nearly 1.9 million in Rio take the bus each day.
Sapa-AP