MADRID -- A bus drivers' strike may hit here on June 27, according
to two tour firms.
The strike would eliminate service on public buses and
motorcoaches leased by tour companies, said Francisco Martinez,
operations supervisor for Gullivers Travel, parent of Travel Bound
in New York.
Joaquin Pradas, president of the Spanish Tour Operators
Association and Petrabax in Rego Park, N.Y., said agents and their
clients should not be alarmed about the potential strike.
"Our head office has it from a good source that the drivers'
negotiations are likely to be successful and the strike will not
happen. These sort of strike announcements and their cancellation
happen all of the time," he said.
Martinez said that if the strike happens, it will affect service
into and out of Madrid, as well as to attractions such as the
castle at Escorial, which is in the Madrid province.
"We are giving our representatives in different countries the
option of working with clients to determine whether they want to
take sightseeing tours by taxi or public transportation," he
said.
Madrid has a subway line as well as a plentiful supply of taxis
and private car services.