Bengaluru: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation Divisional Controller K Ramamurthy told that a few employees had agreed to work and were not joining the protest. They have also sought the help of the police to provide security for the buses and the employees.

“The money towards the tickets already booked will be refunded if the buses stay off the roads. The Mysuru division has 422 buses with 2,200 employees. However, the efforts of the higher officers to convince the employees in this regard have failed,” said the controller.

According to sources, Deputy Commissioner Shikha, Police Commissioner B Dayananda, Superintendent of Police Abhinav Khare and KSRTC Divisional Controller Ramamurthy held a meeting with private vehicle operators to make alternate arrangements for the benefit of the public.

The DC has also banned unlawful assembly at KSRTC bus stands and bus depots.

V Prakash, an employee at a private company in Bengaluru and a resident of Mysuru said that he had come to Mysuru for the weekend. “I had booked a bus ticket for the return journey and not sure whether I will get the bus or not,” he said, adding, he will travel by train if there was no service.

Mariyappa, who commutes between Mysuru and Hunsur everyday, said that he was dependent on KSRTC buses. “The government should fulfil the demands of the employees or make alternate arrangements. Now, I have to spend more money on private vehicles,” he said.

Owing to bus strike, many people travelling to Bengaluru, Hassan and Chamarajanagar are considering train as an alternative. According to Railway authorities, the rush may increase from Monday. On an average, 15,000 people travel to Bengaluru in trains every day and the numbers might go up from Monday due to protest.

Deputy Commissioner C Shikha has declared holiday for all the government, aided and unaided schools in Mysuru district on July 25 and 26