Davao Public Transport Modernization Project

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The Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) or simply Davao Bus Project, 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.[1][2]

It is a mass transportation system that aims to replace the existing jeepneys that ply throughout Davao City 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. This project is touted as a model for similar urban transportation projects nationwide.[3][4]

Project Background

The conceptualization of the bus project started under the leadership of then-Mayor and former president Rodrigo Duterte after the ADB initiated studies promoting for a sustainable and integrated urban transport system in Davao City.[citation needed]

In 2018, the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, then known as the High Priority Bus System Project, was conceptualized and then officially adopted by the then Mayor and now Vice President Sara Z. Duterte for implementation.[citation needed]

On February 2, 2023, the Davao Bus Project was officially approved by the NEDA Board with a total project cost of ₱73.4 billion, over ₱52 billion of which, is via a loan from the ADB. In the same year, the City Government of Davao has vowed to allocate at least ₱1.5 billion as part of the city's contribution and a firm commitment to implement the Davao Bus Project.[citation needed]

The Davao Bus Project is set to commence initial operations by the end of the year 2024 and aims to achieve full operations by the end of 2025. It is estimated to serve more than 800,000 passengers daily.[5]

Funding & Planning

The whole project will cost an estimated price of ₱73.37-billion. The project loan covered by ADB will be 60%, with a funding counterpart of 38% from the national government, and 2% from the city.[6][7]

Project Contract Packages

The civil works will include five bus depots, three bus terminals, more than a thousand bus stops, a driving school, bus lanes, pedestrian lanes, and signages.[citation needed]

In 2024, the DOTr, led by Bautista signed the contracts for four civil works packages, and representatives from the Joint Venture of China Wu Yi Co. LTD, Fujian Construction Engineering Group Co. LTD, and Vicente T. Lao Construction for Contract Package No. 4.

Also during the signing were representatives from China International Water and Electric Corporation for packages 1 to 3.[4]

Issues & Criticisms

Despite the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program

As of June 2024, the city government is still waiting for the national government's counterpart funds to proceed with the Davao City Public Transport Modernization Project.[6]

References

  1. ^ "PBBM reaffirms commitment to develop Davao Region through 'Davao Public Transport Modernization Project'". Presidential Communications Office. February 7, 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ Dela Cruz, Raymond Carl (January 19, 2024). "Davao City not exempted from PUVMP: DOTr".{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ adbheadhoncho (2023-06-29). "Davao Public Transport Modernization Project". www.adb.org. Retrieved 2024-07-18.
  4. ^ a b Digital, Sun Star Davao (2024-02-16). "Davao Bus Project to serve as model for urban transport projects". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved 2024-07-18.
  5. ^ "CITY GOVERNMENT OF DAVAO READY TO IMPLEMENT DAVAO BUS PROJECT". The Official Website of the City Government of Davao. July 5, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Lao, Maimona Wanda (2024-06-18). "Davao Bus Project awaits counterpart funds from national govt". Mindanao Times. Retrieved 2024-07-18.
  7. ^ News, TED CORDERO, GMA Integrated (2023-07-01). "Philippines, ADB sign $1 billion loan for Davao City public transport modernization". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2024-07-18. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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