Members of various transit workers' unions gathered early in the day at several points around the city to close thoroughfares, causing traffic jams and stranding residents.

　　Streets in downtown La Paz were practically empty as the marchers from different directions converged at San Francisco Square.

　　The protests affected the school day in some areas, forcing local educational authorities to instruct schools to allow students more time to arrive.

　　Many stores kept closed to avoid vandalism and possible looting.

　　The protests were launched one day after Luis Revilla, mayor of La Paz, failed to reach agreement with leaders of the transit workers.

　　At the Monday afternoon meeting, the mayor said it was impossible to increase fares before service was improved, urging transit workers to continue the dialogue for a solution.

　　Julian Manzaneda, executive secretary of the La Paz Federation of Urban Transit Workers, announced late Tuesday that the protests were successful and would be continued, along with other measures, if their demands were not met.