ROME, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- A nationwide general strike in Italy on Friday caused transport chaos in major cities including Rome and Milan.

The 24-hour strike was called by the USB union over rising living costs and low wages. A main rally was held in Rome's historic center, and two out of three metro lines in the capital were closed.

Metro and bus lines in Milan, Turin and Naples were also shut, according to Ansa news agency, as well as the Vesuviana rail line in Naples. Some long-distance and regional trains operated by state-run Trenitalia railways and private company Italo were also affected.

Ferries providing connections to Italian islands took part in the strike, but not airlines, for which a separate protest is planned on Dec. 15.

Also on Friday, taxi drivers also called a 12-hour strike, causing problems for commuters and workers in large cities.

The strike was held despite attempts by the Ministry of Transports and Infrastructures to limit its scope. On Thursday, an administrative court rejected an injunction order by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini that would have reduced the strike timetable to just four hours.

The court ruled the ministerial order was unconstitutional, and allowed USB to go ahead. Enditem

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