Davao Bus Modernization to open partially Q1 2028

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is confident it can partially operationalize the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) by the first quarter of 2028, Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.

The DPTMP is a bold move to shift public transport to go full electric, in conformity to the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the recent State of the Nation Address to modernize public transportation.

Under the program, nearly a thousand public buses will be deployed throughout the main roads of Davao City, with 386 of these electric vehicles, Lopez said.

In July 2023, government received a $1.014-billion loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fund the DPTMP.

DPTMP is a bus-based public transport system that introduces modern electric and diesel-powered buses across 29 routes along a 672.95-km road network. 

The project will establish a modern public bus transport system in Davao City, featuring modern electric buses and Euro-5 standard diesel buses, standardized operations and reliable timetables, an intelligent transport system to support bus operations, designated bus stops with shelters and lighting, and designated bus lanes in selected roads.

The project forms part of DOTr’s effort to improve the Philippines’ public transport system by creating a reliable, safe and comfortable passenger commute while reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

The DPTMP is expected to carry about 800,000 passengers per day.