P.M. BRIEFING : Commute a Mexico City Challenge

Taxis did a land-office business today and private vehicles gave lifts to commuters after the government refused to rescind its decision to fire 23,000 city bus workers who went on strike.

Hundreds of buses from the neighboring state of Mexico were brought in to cover the most heavily used routes, which carry an estimated 2 million riders a day. Authorities said military vehicles might be pressed into service if needed.

The government fired city bus drivers, mechanics and administrative workers who staged a one-day walkout on Wednesday over demands for a 50% wage increase. The workers called off the walkout after they were fired, but the government refused to rehire them and said it will move ahead with plans to reorganize the bus line.