THE LOCAL government’s transport problems would be alleviated once the Davao City Interim Bus begins in October this year
During the iSpeak Media Forum on Thursday, April 24, Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo, Davao Bus project manager, said they don’t expect the procurement of 10 new bus units to totally solve the traffic.
“We have to do something because of the delays of the bigger project that we really hope to be implemented in the city,” Domingo said.
Initially, the 10 new units will service seven routes, but they are still subject to changes following inputs from commuters and drivers.
The city will purchase the brand new, modern buses at P9.9 million for each.
“We wanted to find a supplier that will also provide us with a fleet management system. It’s not just the bus we are buying, we are actually requiring the supplier to provide us with a fleet management system,” he stressed.
The buses will be equipped with a GPS to provide the public with real-time data on where the vehicle is positioned.
The official noted that one of the lapses of the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus System buses, is the buses do not always arrive on the expected time or have already left.
“We are hoping that the fleet management system is something that will inform the public that way, if you are really planning to ride, you can check it or adjust your travel time,” he added.
In a bid to secure safety of the riding public, the buses will also be installed six CCTV cameras to monitor activities inside and outside the bus.
Upon operation, a command center will also be established to oversee the operation in the future.
The city government will prioritize the displaced jeepney drivers and operators in the initial 22 drivers needed.
More than 5,000 jeepney drivers and operator groups have participated in the social preparation trainings that the CSWDO conducted, where the shortlisted drivers are sourced from.
The drivers will be required to obtain a Driving National Certificate III from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
Domingo said the riding public can initially take the bus for free until they apply with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for the fare matrix.
Also, the City Mayor’s Office will pay for the salaries of the drivers and the management of the fleet until it starts earning.
Domingo noted that there will be no major problems in terms of repair and maintenance expense as the units are brand new and have a 5-year warranty or 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.
The office is expected to release guidelines in the coming days in terms of the dos and don’ts when riding the bus.
