The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Friday it expects the Davao Public Transport Modernization Program (DPTMP), formerly known as Davao High Priority Bus System, to start partial operations by 2026.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the majority of the DPTMP is already funded.
“As far as the budget is concerned, we have already requested Congress to allocate more funds to support the ongoing works [in the project]. But as far as the project is concerned, it’s a go and we are on track,” Bautista said.
Aside from the national government, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Davao City local government also expressed their support to fund the DPTMP.
The government signed a $1.014-billion loan with the ADB to fund the DPTMP in July 2023.
Bautista met with the personnel of the DPTMP Project Management Office and gave his assurance of the DOTr’s support in the implementation of the project.
“We will address the issues by working closely with other offices and agencies. Rest assured that we are here for you, and we will do everything we can to implement this project and complete it by 2027,” Bautista said.
The DPTMP is a bus-based public transport system which includes the introduction of modern fleets of electric and diesel-powered buses through 29 routes along a 672.95-km road network.
The project will establish a modern public bus transport system in Davao City, the third largest city in the Philippines, with modern electric buses and Euro-5 standard diesel buses, standardized operations and reliable timetables, an intelligent transport system to support bus operation, designated bus stops with shelters and lighting, and designated bus lanes in selected road sections.
The project is part of the efforts of the DOTr to improve the public transport system in the Philippines by creating a reliable, safe, and comfortable passenger experience and by reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
The DPTMP will carry about 800,000 passengers per day.
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