The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to roll out the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) that spans more than 600 kilometers.
The DPTMP, also called the Davao Bus Project, is separate yet complementary to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), DOTr said.
The DPTMP will establish dedicated bus lanes, depots and terminals over a route network, utilizing modern buses that have complied with the PUVMP.
Funded by the Asian Development Bank, the Davao Bus is a 672-kilometer project involving nine routes that will be connected to key areas in Davao City, Panabo City and Davao del Norte.
he project will create an intelligent transport system using environment-friendly buses and modernized PUVs with standardized operations and reliable bus schedules.
The DOTr said it will implement the PUVMP as scheduled that aims to uplift the safety and comfort of Filipino commuters, improve the state of the country’s transportation, and elevate the welfare of transport operators and drivers.
It said several big transport groups rallied behind its push for transport modernization, which is vital to amplify the program’s purpose and long-term benefits to Filipino commuters.
Effective Jan. 31, 2024, all unconsolidated PUVs will no longer be allowed to operate in compliance with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board circular.
Meanwhile, PUV operators and drivers can still be part of transport cooperatives and continue their livelihood after the January 31 deadline, said Andy Ortega, Office of Transportation Cooperative chairman.
The operators could also join transport cooperatives and corporations as some are drivers of their own PUVs, he added.
“It’s not just the drivers, because remember those who decided not to consolidate are operators. So, the drivers and operators need jobs,” Ortega said in a briefing last week.
As of the end of December 2023, 105 groups have joined the PUVMP, beating the Dec. 31 deadline for consolidation, he said.
“For December alone, 105 (groups) inquired and eventually applied for cooperative and then consolidation,” Ortega said, “We feel they made their decision to join the program and also for them to continue their livelihood.”
