TALKS will be conducted on the possible extension of the operations of the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service (Phabs), which is allowed to operate only until March.

City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) chief Dionisio Abude noted that the permit granted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) did not mention a specific date since the continuity of the augmentation buses will rely on the volume of passengers who are stranded due to the lack of public utility jeepneys (PUJs).

Abude said they will discuss the matter with the LTFRB and Mindanao Star Bus Transport, Inc.

The traffic chief said that based on their assessment, Phabs was well-received, both by the passengers and the PUJs.

"Personally atong office, wala kadawat og official complaints gikan sa mga drivers nga disadvantaged sila. Wala puy letter nga niabot sa atoa," Abude said during the iSpeak press conference Thursday, March 21, at the City Hall of Davao.

However, Abude said during the first few weeks of Phabs’ operation, Mindanao Star said they have revenue losses due to the operation schedule allotted to them by LTFRB.

Phabs operates from 6:30 to 9 a.m. for the morning phase, and resumes at 5 to 8 p.m. for the evening phase.

Abude also said that Mindanao Star is seeking the replacement of one of the buses deployed in Toril that was re-assigned to Catalunan Grande with a provincial bus-type vehicle.

He also said one of the buses needs to undergo further repairs.