BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) Public bus service in the Bridgeport area was severely disrupted when more than half the drivers called in sick.

The Connecticut Post reports that 24 of the 42 morning bus drivers for Greater Bridgeport Transit didn't report to work Thursday because of reported illnesses.

Doug Holcomb is the chief executive officer of Greater Bridgeport Transit. He says the transit district did the best it could to provide service and was forced to curb lower-volume service to suburban areas.

It wasn't clear if the drivers were protesting work conditions. Officials with the driver's labor union, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1336, could not be reached for comment.

Large crowds were seen waiting for buses in Bridgeport on Thursday morning.

Holcomb said he hopes the situation will be resolved by Friday morning.