Mangaluru/Udupi: Private bus operators in the twin districts of coastal Karnataka have decided to refrain from participating in the indefinite bandh call given by the South India Motor Transport Association (SIMTA) in view of the SSLC exams slated to commence from tomorrow.announcing that private bus operators will continue their services as usual after a meeting with the Canara Bus Owners Association, Udupi Bus Owners Association and Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners Association, State Bus Owners Union President, Rajavarma Ballal on Tuesday, March 28 said that the decision was taken so that students appearing for exams won’t be put to inconvenience.

The South India Motor Transport Association (SIMTA) gave the bandh call after a meeting in Chennai on March 11 to protest hike in third party premium that has been increased by 50 percent, increase in transport office fee etc., among other things. The bandh has support from several associations representing lorries, taxis, maxi-cabs lorry unions as well as private buses.