Mangaluru : The undivided Dakshina Kannada, which often remains oblivious in responding to larger issues, had a complete passenger transport strike that was called to oppose the Road Transport and Safety Bill.

Private buses, which play a major role in public commutation in these two districts, remained off the roads since early morning thus making the strike total. While several autorickshaw Unions too supported the strike, some of them did not participate thus offering some solace to anxious commuters.

Till Wednesday evening, people expected private buses to ply as usual. However, the Motor Transport and Engineering Workers Union of Dakshina Kannada supported the agitation.

Thus, those who arrived by buses and trains early in the morning to their destinations had a tough time to reach their destinations. Even office goers and others were seen waiting for buses on way-side bus stops across Mangaluru.

While KSRTC buses did not ply as expected, authorities were seen capturing video footage near the central bus stand in Bengaluru to record untoward incident, if any. The KSRTC central bus stand as well as State Bank area from where private buses operate, wore a deserted look.

There was also an incident of activists of a trade Union forcing autorickshaws to participate in the strike. Angry autorickshaw drivers defied the diktat and resumed services in many parts of the city.

However, goods vehicles and private vehicles plied as usual even as shops and establishments remained open.