Davao Public Transport Modernization Project
{{Infobox public transit
| owner = Department of Transportation (DOTr)
| area served = Davao City and Panabo City, Philippines
| transit_type = Bus System
| chief_executive = Tristan Dwight Domingo (City Government of Davao) & Nestor Kilian Tabada (DOTr)
| name = Davao Bus Project
| stations = 1,000
| vehicles = 1,105 (~400 electric)
| system_length = {{convert|672|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| operation_will_start = 2026 (partial)
| lines = 29
| daily_ridership = ~800,000
| image =
| imagesize = 200px
| image2 = ADB Davao Bus.jpg
}}
The Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) or simply the Davao Bus Project and formerly known as the High Priority Bus System (HPBS), is a 672-kilometer bus route network under construction in Davao City, Philippines. This project is part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).{{Cite web |last=Llemit |first=Ralph Lawrence G. |date=2024-02-08 |title=PBBM backs Davao transport project |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/pbbm-backs-davao-transport-project |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Dela Cruz |first=Raymond Carl |date=January 19, 2024 |title=Davao City not exempted from PUVMP: DOTr |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217299 }}
Background
In 2015, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) was tapped by the Philippine Government to help improve and modernize the public transportation in Davao City pursuant to Philippines Presidential Administrative Order No. 254 series of 2009 for an environmentally sustainable transport for the Philippines.{{Cite web |date= |title=Davao Public Transport Modernization Project: Project Preparatory Technical Assistance |url=https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents//45296-005-pptar.pdf |website=Asian Development Bank}}{{Cite web |title=National Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Strategy for the Philippines {{!}} United Nations Centre for Regional Development |url=https://uncrd.un.org/content/national-est-strategy-philippines |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=uncrd.un.org}}
Coordination between the ADB and the City Government of Davao progressed in 2017 during the term of former mayor Sara Duterte. Implementation of the High Priority Bus Project (HPBS) was expected to begin during 2019 with the funding of ADB through an Official Development Assistance agreement.{{Cite news |last=DXDC 621 Davao |first=December 7, 2017 |title=High-priority bus system sa 2019 |url=https://rmn.ph/high-priority-bus-system-sa-2019/ |work=RMN Network}} The project also coincided with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) of country under former president Rodrigo Duterte.{{Cite web |last=Regalado |first=Edith |title=Davao City to phase out jeepneys |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/06/02/1922826/davao-city-phase-out-jeepneys |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Philstar.com}}
In 2018, the project's target implementation date was moved. The estimated cost of the project was also estimated to be at ₱3.6 Billion courtesy of the loan from ADB, and had only 5 routes in total.{{Cite web |last=Casamayor |first=Lyka Amethyst H. |date=2018-10-04 |title=5 routes for bus system |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/5-routes-for-bus-system |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}}
In 2019, the local city government allocated ₱100 Million for the preliminary implementation of HPBS. It was counterpart of the said loan from the ADB. The target year of implementation of the project was set by 2022.{{Cite web |date=2019-08-03 |title=Davao City Sets Aside 100-M For Bus System |url=https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/08/davao-city-sets-aside-100-m-for-bus-system/ |access-date=2024-08-04 |language=en-US}} With the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority on the project, the budget was expanded to ₱18.6 Billion, with 29 routes throughout the city and is divided into 4 tiers.{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2019 |title=NEDA BOARD OKS DOTr's HIGH PRIORITY BUS SYSTEM FOR DAVAO CITY |url=https://dotr.gov.ph/2014-09-02-05-03-02/55-dotrnews/1059-neda-board-oks-dotr-s-high-priority-bus-system-for-davao-city.html |website=Department of Transportation}}
In 2020, the project was formally known as the "Davao Public Transport Modernization Project".{{Cite web |last=CAGULA |first=KEN E. |date=2020-02-19 |title=Transport sector seeks public support in fight vs jeepney phaseout |url=https://davaotoday.com/economy/transport-sector-seeks-public-support-in-fight-vs-jeepney-phaseout/ |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Davao Today |language=en-US}} But with the outbreak of the COVID-19, the implementation of the project was uncertain and put on hold due to lockdowns and resources being diverted to curb the effect of the pandemic. In 2021, the project's full operation date was again moved to the 3rd quarter of 2023.{{Cite news |last=Dela Cruz |first=Raymond Carl |date=August 17, 2021 |title=DOTr eyes completion of Davao High Priority Bus System in 3Q 2023 |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150735 |work=Philippine News Agency}} An Interim Bus System was launched in preparation to the project with routes to Toril and Catalunan Grande.{{Cite web |last=Llemit |first=Ralph Lawrence G. |date=2021-03-23 |title=Davao City launches second bus route |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/davao-city-launches-second-bus-route |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}}
In 2023, NEDA approved the expansion of the project which saw the budget of the project increase to almost ₱80 Billion. The expected contribution of the local government increased to ₱1.5 Billion throughout the whole project implementation.{{Cite web |last=Mendoza |first=Iona Finlay C. |date=2023-02-08 |title=Project cost of Davao City's public transport modernization project increases to P80 billion |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/project-cost-of-davao-citys-public-transport-modernization-project-increases-to-p80-billion |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}} The formal contract signing of the loan agreement happened in July with ADB officials and the Philippine Government led by president Bongbong Marcos{{Cite web |last=Llemit |first=Ralph Lawrence G. |date=2023-07-03 |title=Mayor Duterte vows improved transpo in Davao City |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/mayor-duterte-vows-improved-transpo-in-davao-city |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}}
And in 2024, contracts for the civil works of the project which includes bus stops, bus lanes, depots, and terminals of the projects were signed.{{Cite web |last=Gascon |first=Melvin |date=2024-02-09 |title=Chinese companies bag contracts for P73-B Davao transport project |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1901860/chinese-companies-bag-contracts-for-p73-b-davao-transport-project |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}} However, the project has been hounded with postponements caused by right of way issues concerning 32 landowners.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-11 |title=ROW issues hounding transport modernization project in Davao |url=https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2024/10/row-issues-hounding-transport-modernization-project-in-davao/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |language=en-US}}
Routes
File:Davao_bus_project_routes.jpg.]]
The HPBS will have a 4-tier system with 12 interchange locations.{{Cite web |last=fibratdvo |date=2023-08-05 |title=Davao High Priority Bus System (HPBS) (aka Davao Public Transport Modernization) Routes |url=http://www.reddit.com/r/davao/comments/15ikswd/davao_high_priority_bus_system_hpbs_aka_davao/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=r/davao}}{{Cite web |title=Supply of Buses Contract Nos. 05 and 06 for the Davao High Priority Bus System (HPBS) Project - Bus Fleets |url=https://dotr.gov.ph/component/k2/item/1204-design-and-build-contract-no-05-and-contract-no-06-for-the-davao-high-priority-bus-system-hpbs-project.html }}
= Metro Davao =
| class="wikitable"
|+Metro Davao !Route !Origin and Destination (vice versa) !Notes |
| M1
|Panabo City ↔ Roxas Avenue | |
| M2
|Matina Aplaya ↔ Bunawan | |
| M3
|Bago Aplaya ↔ Sasa Port | |
| M4
|Toril ↔ SM Lanang | |
| M5
|Calinan ↔ Sta. Ana Avenue | |
{{Routemap
| title = M1 (Panabo City ↔ Roxas Avenue)
| title color = #000000
| title bg color = #008000
| float = none
| footnote = † Diagram not to scale
| map = map1
| map1 = KBHFa~~Panabo City
tHST~~Lasang
tHST~~Bunawan
tHST~~Tibungco
tHST~~Panacan
BOOT\tHST\~~Sasa Port
tHST~~Agdao
tHST~~Ateneo de Davao University
cSTRq\cd!~KBHFeq!~cdHUBaq\BHF!~HUBeq\~~City Center
}}
{{Routemap
| title = M2 (Matina Aplaya ↔ Bunawan)
| title color = #000000
| title bg color = #FFFF00
| float = none
| footnote = † Diagram not to scale
| map = map1
| map1 = KBHFa~~Matina Aplaya
tHST~~SM City Davao
hSTRae
tHST~~Davao City Hall
cSTRq\cd!~KBHFeq!~cdHUBaq\BHF!~HUBeq\~~City Center
tHST~~Ateneo de Davao University
tHST~~Magsaysay Park
tHST~~Santa Ana Port
tHST~~Bajada
tHST~~Buhangin
FLUG\tHST\~~Francisco Bangoy International Airport
tHST~~Panacan
tHST~~Tibungco
KBHFe~~Bunawan
}}
{{Routemap
| title = M3 (Bago Aplaya ↔ Sasa Port)
| float = none
| footnote = † Diagram not to scale
| map = map1
| map1 = KBHFa~~Bago Aplaya
tHST~~Puan
tHST~~Ulas
hSTRae
tHST~~Matina Crossing
tHST~~NCCC Mall Maa
hSTRae
tHST~~Bankerohan
cSTRq\cd!~KBHFeq!~cdHUBaq\BHF!~HUBeq\~~City Center
tHST~~Gaisano Mall of Davao
tHST~~NCCC Mall VP
tHST~~Ayala Malls Abreeza
tHST~~Bajada
tHST~~SM Lanang
BOOT\tHST\~~Sasa Port
KBHFe~~Bunawan
}}
{{Routemap
| title = M4 (Toril ↔ SM Lanang)
| title color = #FFFFFF
| title bg color = #0000FF
| float = none
| footnote = † Diagram not to scale
| map = map1
| map1 = KBHFa~~Toril
tHST~~Puan
tHST~~Ulas
hSTRae
tHST~~Matina
tHST~~Crossing SM
tHST~~Ecoland
hSTRae
cSTRq\cd!~KBHFeq!~cdHUBaq\BHF!~HUBeq\~~City Center
KBHFe~~SM Lanang
}}
{{Routemap
| title = M5 (Calinan ↔ Sta. Ana Avenue)
| title color = #FFFFFF
| title bg color = #FF0000
| float = none
| footnote = † Diagram not to scale
| map = map1
| map1 = KBHFa~~Calinan
tHST~~Tugbok
tHST~~Mintal
tHST~~Ulas
hSTRae
tHST~~Matina Crossing
tHST~~NCCC Mall Maa
hSTRae
tHST~~Bankerohan
cSTRq\cd!~KBHFeq!~cdHUBaq\BHF!~HUBeq\~~City Center
BOOT\KBHFe\~~Santa Ana Port
}}
= Davao Inter =
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Route !Origin and Destination (vice versa) !Notes |
| 21
|Talomo Proper ↔ Sta. Ana Avenue | |
| 31
|Calinan ↔ Roxas Avenue | |
| 41
|Mandug ↔ Davao City Hall | |
| 42
|Maa ↔ Sasa | |
| 43
|Langub ↔ Magsaysay Park | |
| 61
|Acacia ↔ Davao City Hall | |
| 62
|Buhangin Proper ↔ Roxas Avenue | |
| 63
|Mandug ↔ Davao City Hall | |
= Davao Feeder =
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Route !Origin and Destination (vice versa) !Notes |
| 101
|San Isidro ↔ Francisco Bangoy International Airport | |
| 102
|Bunawan ↔ Terminal Sasa Port | |
| 103
|Tibungco ↔ Panacan | |
| 201
|Toril Terminal ↔ Mintal | |
| 202
|Toril Fish Port ↔ Ecoland Drive | |
| 203
|Bangkas ↔ Mintal | |
| 301
|Mintal ↔ Calinan | |
| 302
|Calinan Terminal ↔ Mintal | |
| 601
|Cabantian ↔ Matina Aplaya |
= Davao Local =
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Route !Origin and Destination (vice versa) !Notes |
| 291
|Baracatan ↔ Eden | |
| 292
|Catigan ↔ Tagurano | |
| 293
|Lumondao ↔ Calinan | |
| 294
|Carmen ↔ Inayangan | |
| 295
|Tambobong ↔ Calinan | |
| 391
|Daliaon Plantation ↔ Toril Fish Port | |
| 691
|Tugbok Davao ↔ MRP Station | |
Funding and planning
The whole project will have an estimated cost of ₱73.37 Billion.{{Cite web |last=Lao |first=Maimona Wanda |date=2024-06-18 |title=Davao Bus Project awaits counterpart funds from national govt |url=https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/davao-bus-project-awaits-counterpart-funds-from-national-govt/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=Mindanao Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Cordero |first=Ted |date=2023-07-01 |title=Philippines, ADB sign $1 billion loan for Davao City public transport modernization |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/874510/philippines-adb-sign-1-billion-loan-for-davao-city-public-transport-modernization/story/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}
Project contract packages
The planned construction is divided into eight Contract Packages (CP).{{Cite web |last=CIO Admin |date=February 15, 2024 |title=AVAO BUS TO BEGIN MAJOR INFRA CONSTRUCTION, URGES DOTR TO ENSURE FUND APPROPRIATION |url=https://www.davaocity.gov.ph/transportation-planning-traffic-management/davao-bus-to-begin-major-infra-construction-urges-dotr-to-ensure-fund-appropriation/}} The Department of Transportation (DOTr) awarded three contracts to China International Water & Electrical Corporation. CP01 is for designing and building Buhangin and Calinan Depot, and for a driving school. CP02 is for Toril Depot and Terminal, and Bunawan and Calinan Terminals. CP03 is for roadworks and pedestrian infrastructure such as bus stops and bus lanes. The CP04 was awarded to the joint-venture of China Wu Yi, Fujian Construction and Engineering, and Vicente Lao Construction, which is the contract for Sasa and Sto. Niño Depot.{{Cite web |last=Amojelar |first=Darwin G. |date=2024-02-09 |title=DOTr awards P73B bus modernization project in Davao City to Chinese firms |url=https://manilastandard.net/?p=314414817 |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Manila Standard |language=en-US}}
Contract Packages 5 up to 8 are still on the bidding processes. CP05 deals with the supply and maintenance services for the diesel bus fleet, meanwhile CP06 is for the electric bus fleet. CP07 is for the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). The last package, CP08 is for setting up the Automatic Fare Collection Systems (AFCS).{{Cite web |date=May 2023 |title=Philippines: Davao Public Transport Modernization Project |url=https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/45296-006-ld-03.pdf |website=Asian Development Bank}}
Issues and criticisms
For its implementation, various infrastructure must be built such as bus depots and terminal. Several Indigenous People's communities are expected to be affected by the said constructions. It includes IP tribes in the Districts of Baguio, Calinan, Marilog, and Toril in Davao City.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-17 |title=Davao's New Bus System To Affect Lumad Communities – ADB |url=https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/05/davaos-new-bus-system-to-affect-lumad-communities-adb/ |access-date=2024-08-08 |language=en-US}}
Various transport groups in the city such as PISTON-Southern Mindanao expressed their opposition to the project, citing that it will kill the livelihood of all jeepney drivers in the city.{{Cite web |title=Davao City exempt from PUV franchise consolidation with its bus project |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/101709/davao-city-exempt-from-puv-franchise-consolidation-with-its-bus-project/story/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.gmanetwork.com |language=en}} They raised concern on the challenges the project may impose for small operators and drivers in the city.{{Cite web |last=Patumbon |first=Rojean Grace G. |date=2023-12-27 |title=Drivers stage protest, strike |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/drivers-stage-protest-strike |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}}
Despite the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program which imposed consolidation among individual jeepney operators, Davao City is exempted from such consolidation due to DPTMP taking place. Making it the only city in the country to be exempted drew flak from various transport cooperatives nationwide.{{Cite web |last=Patumbon |first=Rojean Grace G. |date=2024-01-17 |title=Davao City PUVs exempted from industry consolidation of the modernization program |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/davao-city-puj-operators-exempt-from-national-modernization-program |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}}
DC Bus (Davao City Interim Bus Service)
In 2021, an Interim Bus System was launched in preparation to the project with routes to Toril and Catalunan Grande.
In 2025, the City Government of Davao is set to acquire 10 units of Yutong ZK6126HG low-entry buses to serve DC Bus. It will initially cover 7 routes in the city. it will have features such as GPS, CCTVs, TV screen, and bicycle racks among others. Each unit costs ₱9.9 million, funded through the City's Supplemental Budget No. 3, FY 2024. {{Cite web |last=Patumbon |first=Rojean Grace G. |date=2025-04-22 |title=Davao City purchases 10 low-floor buses |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/davao-city-purchases-10-low-floor-buses |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Transportation in the Philippines}}
{{Davao City}}