Davao bus project to roll out in 2027

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) aims to launch the pilot operations of the long-awaited bus-based transportation system in Davao City within two years, according to a report by Manila Bulletin.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the Davao Public Transport Modernization Program (DPTMP), otherwise known as the DavaoBus project, will start serving passengers in 2027 as part of the government’s efforts to ease the commuting experience.

The initial route will traverse from Catalunan Pequeño to Sasa, with stops at Ulas, Bangkal, Matina, Bankerohan, Quirino, Bajada, Lanang, and Buhangin.

As part of the preparations for the pilot run, a public bus driving academy will also be constructed.

The driving facility aims to professionalize public transport driving, ensuring safer roads for both commuters and motorists.

Dizon said the agency is looking to expedite the DPTMP after President Marcos expressed his dismay over delays in the project’s implementation.

“We need to stop making excuses and start solving problems, kasi game changer itong project na ito (because this project is a game changer) and it will be a model system for the entire country,” he said.

First conceptualized in 2010 during the term of then-mayor and former president Rodrigo Duterte, the DPTMP formally materialized in 2023 with the signing of a loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

About 60 percent of the %u20B173.4 billion project will be sourced from the ADB loan, with the DOTr and the local government shouldering the remaining cost.

Last year, the DOTr awarded the contract for the first three packages of the DPTMP to China International Water and Electric Corp. (CWE).

The contract requires the design and construction of bus terminals, depots, bus stops, bus lanes, pedestrian lanes, and the driving academy.

The fourth package was awarded to a joint venture between China Wu Yi Co., Ltd. and Fujian Construction and Engineering Group Co., Ltd., and Vicente T. Lao Construction, covering the design and build contract for the Sasa and Sto. Niño depots.

According to reports by local media, the project is being hindered by delays due to right-of-way issues.

Patterned after the EDSA busway, the 672-kilometer DPTMP will be separated from normal road traffic in most of its stretch by concrete barriers on the innermost lane.

It will feature a core service lane, nine feeder routes, eight routes to inner urban areas, and routes between outer rural areas and terminals in Davao City, Panabo City, and Davao del Norte.

The project is expected to accommodate 386 electric buses, 531 regular buses, and 188 mini-buses.

In a related development, the DOTr has launched a free ride program along the Lasang to Roxas route via Sasa in Davao City, easing the daily commuting cost for many residents.

Dizon said the government will allocate %u20B170 million per year until 2028 to operate the program. It will run daily from 6:00 to 9:00 am and 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

The DOTr is studying the addition of more buses along the route and its expansion to other areas, such as Cabaguio.