Mangaluru: The owners of private buses remained firm on their decision on not to operate their buses, though district administration had allowed private buses to operate up to 1 pm from Wednesday.

The private buses stayed off the roads, while KSRTC buses were seen plying around with few passengers.

Dakshina Kannada Bus Operators' Association President Dilraj Alva said the conditions, including operating passengers with 50% occupancy, were not viable for the bus operators.

"Besides most of the arterial roads have been dug up by Mangaluru City Corporation. Thus travelling on alternative routes with few passengers will only increase losses," he said and added that the buses will be operated from July 1, if the government accepts their demands.

Traffic cops had a tough time managing traffic as repair works were going on in all major roads.