The Department of Transportation (DoTr), in partnership with the city government of Davao, has begun planning for the construction of three new bus terminals as part of the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP).
Ritchard Walter Villanueza, Deputy Project Manager and Interim Lead of the Strategic Communications and Engagement (SCE) Unit, announced that the proposed terminals will be located in Bunawan, Toril, and Calinan.
Villanueza said once the project is fully implemented by 2028, the existing Ecoland Terminal is expected to be phased out.
He said the initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the city’s public transportation system despite ongoing challenges.
“The city government of Davao and the national government through the DoTr will be introducing bus network system for Davao. The Public Transport Modernization Project which was introduced by former President Rodrigo Duterte its a nationwide scheme but for Davao City we will be having our own DBMP (bus system) similar to the bus system that you see in Hong Kong, Singapore, and other countries wherein we will have designated bus stops and time arrival of our buses in all bus stops, which will be introduced also in Davao City,” Villanueza said during Wednesdays Habi at Kape media forum.
He added that the government is targeting to begin implementation by late next year, following years of groundwork and delays, particularly in land acquisition.
“We’re hoping to start as I said earlier late next year. We have been doing the project for almost six years and we have had difficulties in acquiring the land for our terminals and bus stops. But several contract packages have been awarded already so we are already ramping up our bus system,” he said.
Villanueza also explained that the interim bus system currently operating in the city serves as a temporary solution while the full system is being prepared.
“The buses that you see right now the Davao Interim Bus it will be similar to that. Its called interim because while the Davao Bus is not yet operational the city has necessary to provide interim buses because of the crisis in terms of our public transportation,” he added.
The DPTMP is expected to transform the city’s public transport landscape by introducing a more efficient, reliable, and organized bus system, aligned with international standards.
