The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) reminded bus drivers and passengers that the “No Pick Up” policy at bus stops in Davao City is still in effect.
DCOTT Manager Aisa Usop issued this over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday in anticipation of the influx of passengers this coming Undas.
Usop added bus drivers who violate the said policy will be apprehended by the City Traffic and Transport Management Office (CTTMO) team.
She advised travelers and passengers to board the buses right there at DCOTT.
In June this year, the city government of Davao issued a directive prohibiting buses from loading and picking up passengers in any areas outside DCOTT after a bombing incident of a bus unit in Koronadal, South Cotabato in May also this year.
The Davao City Transportation and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) in coordination with the security cluster planned on setting up checkpoints in the soon-to-be-designated bus stops, potentially in only three areas where provincial buses can pick up or load provincial-bound passengers outside of the Ecoland bus terminal. The identified areas were in Toril, Bunawan, and Calinan.
According to Usop since she did not receive any directive lifting or amending the said policy, DCOTT will still follow the ‘no pick up” policy.
“Atong mahinumduman na nahitabo ang directive during the time nga naay pagpamomba nga nahitabo sa neighboring provinces para ma-secure ang Davao City mao to gipagawas ang directive na ‘no pick up policy’ ta sa bus stop. Since walay naabot sa akoa na directive na i-lift or ameyndahan to or i-go tong 3 areas, i-follow gihapon nato tong what is existing,” she said.
Meanwhile, Usop said that in preparation for the arrival of travelers and passengers during Undas, the DCOTT has laid the necessary security measures to ensure the safety of passengers.
She said the DCOTT’s security staff will be divided to cover a three-shift rotation for its 24-hour operations. The terminal’s security will be augmented by the Task Force Davao and the city police which has its own police outpost within the terminal.
She also said DCOTT has also coordinated with the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), CTTMO, Task Force Davao, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Land Transportation Office (LTO).
“Karon gipangandaman na nato ang security measures by conducting meeting with our security guards, city-paid na sila composed of plantilla, job orders, and contractuals kay 24 hours man ang operation sa DCOTT. Gimiting nato ang ilahang team leaders. Second naa mi coordination with the Task Force Davao nga naa sa main entrace to check the bagages. Naa pud tay mga pulis dinha. Nakipag coordinate pud mi sa president Southern Mindanao Bus Operators Association,” she said.
Usop said DCOTT will no longer follow the 30-minute bus interval due to the influx of passengers.
“Kung mapuno mularga na para makasulod na ang next bus,” she said.
