Davao Modern Bus System to Partially Operate by Q1 2028

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) announced that the Davao modernized bus system is on track to start partial operations by the first quarter of 2028. Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez stated that the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) is part of the DoTr’s commitment to advancing the shift to electric public transport. Electric buses will constitute nearly 40% of the modernized bus fleet. The project will feature dedicated bus stops and bus lanes on selected roads. Its three components include a high-priority bus system; the strengthening of institutional capacity to execute the project; and the delivery of social development programs. The DPTMP covers a 672-kilometer road network with 29 routes. Approximately 1,000 buses will be deployed, of which 386 will be electric. Once completed, the project is expected to serve 800,000 passengers per day, according to Mr. Lopez. The P73.4-billion project, funded by the Asian Development Bank and the government, will also integrate an automated fare collection system, an automated vehicle locator, computer-aided dispatch, and real-time passenger information. — Ashley Erika O. Jose Source: BusinessWorld Economy