The general strike put travellers through a gauntlet for the second time in a week as it disrupted departures from the capital.
What does "gauntlet " mean here? I have consulted in Longman English Dictionary here: www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/gauntlet
I can find the appropriate meaning of it.
This seems to be a mixture of
put someone/something through their paces
or
put someone/something through the mill
and
throw down the gauntlet
or
pick up the gauntlet
It is heard from time to time, but is a little confused.