WITHOUT mentioning the long awaited High Priority Bus System (HPBS) in this city, the Annil Transport Services, Inc. (ATSI) that is plying the downtown Davao city-Calinan route launched two modern city buses. Annil is now owned and managed by Davao Metro Shuttle Corporation (DMSC) which has been in the business for more than two decades.

The new buses are low-floors and low-entry with ramps so that the PWDs and senior citizens can have easy access. Inside are the 41 passenger seats, airconditioned, with TV set for entertainment, seven CCTV cameras, free Wi-Fi, and a GPS system.

These Volvo buses aside from edge in accessibility are also known of exceptional safety features and environment-friendly being a Euro 5 compliant. Collection of fares also defines “modernity”, being cashless, and first in Mindanao to introduce the reloadable Beep Cards.

So now, let us mention the conceived HPBS. All this time of imaginings, nothing conformed so far to the portrayal of modern bus than the feature of two buses launched by the DMSC. Let me call it a prototype of the dreamed life bus. And I guess it is not an overstatement to pronounce the company as the pacesetter of the HPBS.

When the HPBS bidding guidelines come out anytime soon, we hope both DMSC and the ATSI will bid to serve other routes in the city. Why? Here is my modest checklist of their qualification and attributes: 1.) Capable to provide hundreds of modern buses for the city, CHECK; 2.) First-rate maintenance of highly qualified mechanics and technicians, CHECK; 3.) Viable company policy and standard for its human resource, CHECK; 4.) Meets the basic requirements of the regulatory body, CHECK; and 5.) Drivers and travel crews are highly qualified, disciplined and maintained unparalleled courtesy to its patrons, CHECK, CHECK!

Now that the prospective bidders are ready, the social packages for the affected sectors is prepared and ready, the people of Davao city is very much excited and ready, and IF the funds for the construction of the six bus terminals are ready; then there is no reason for the local government to delay the project.

If the reason for a comprehendible delay is the score of individuals who named their selves a “coalition of transport group” that threatened to oppose the modernization program; permit them to conduct rallies if for them that is life. There concerns have been addressed during the series of consultations. They may have alzh like untaught of the past experiences that never been in the history of transport strikes in Davao have paralyzed the business sector. The LGU has always provided buses to augment the transport needs of the cultured and obedient to the government.

All is set. Let us enjoy the benefits of having modernized transport system.