One of the most important services used by the poor and middle classes in the Dominican Republic, public transport, has all but collapsed. Scarcities of propane gas and diesel, in addition to the governmental financial difficulties, are making hard times even more so for those who depend on public transport. El Caribe reports that only a third of the usual taxi units are in service, given the problems faced to obtain propane gas. While many of these units can run alternately on propane or gasoline, the high cost of gasoline makes its choice non-lucrative. El Caribe reports that 30% fewer public vehicles are circulating to save on fuel. The OMSA denies that their vehicles are out of service, despite the long waits pedestrians are experiencing A note in El Caribe carries the statement from OMSA that 600 units of the 926 units of OMSA operates.