An empty metro station in Lisbon - closed following a 24-hour strike against proposed government cuts.<br/> <br />Portugal's economy minister says the country's public transport sector must be restructured after mounting up debts of 17 billion euros, equal to 10 percent of gross domestic product.<br/> <br />The strike has shut down the city's metro and ferries are stopping for three hours in every shift.<br/> <br />But trains, buses and trams continue to provide basic services, offering relief to commuters.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) LAB TECHNICIAN RITA SAYING:<br/> <br />"I don't think it will affect me, I just had to get up earlier, there was one at 7:20 now there will be another one, I don't think it will take long."<br/> <br />Public transport fares have gone up by 5 percent on average.<br/> <br />Some economists fear the debt could force the country to seek more funding, beyond its 78 billion euro bailout.<br/> <br />Sunita Rappai, Reuters
