The Department of Transportation (DoTr) has announced that the Davao modernized bus system is on track to begin partial operations by the first quarter of 2028.
Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez stated that the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) is a key component of the DoTr's commitment to accelerate the shift to electric public transport.
As part of the project, electric buses will comprise nearly 40% of the modernized bus fleet, while dedicated bus stops and bus lanes will be implemented on select roads.
The project has three components: a high-priority bus system, the strengthening of institutional capacity to execute the project, and the delivery of social development programs.
The DPTMP covers a 672-kilometer road network with 29 routes and will deploy approximately 1,000 buses, with 386 of them being electric.
Once completed, the project is expected to serve 800,000 passengers per day, according to Mr. Lopez.
The P73.4-billion project, funded by the Asian Development Bank and the government, will also integrate an automated fare collection system, an automated vehicle locator, computer-aided dispatch, and real-time passenger information.
