FUNDING constraints will delay the implementation of the High Priority Bus System (HPBS) in Davao City, a city official said.
City Assistant Administrator Tristan Dwight Domingo said the city government will seek the help of the national government in applying for a loan with the Asian Development Bank to fund the transport project.
"Meanwhile, the mayor (Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio) is trying to look into our own funds to jumpstart the project," Domingo said.
He said the city government hopes to initially deploy buses in at least two different routes before the year ends.
Domingo said in a previous press conference that the pilot testing of the HPBS will be implemented either middle of this year or towards the end of the year.
He said the city will spend between P30 million and P45 million for the project once the initial phase of the new bus system will be implemented. The budget will include the financial assistance to jeepney drivers and operators who will be affected by the HPBS.
Domingo said the city government and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are still finalizing the compensation package for some 6,000 affected drivers. The amount to be given per driver is still being computed.
He clarified that the budget does not cover the purchase of new bus units to be used in this new system.
Domingo said some private companies are already inquiring on how to be a part of the bus system.
"Our partners from local and Metro Manila would be willing to help in the implementation of the project. If done right, this would also be advantageous for private companies who will be interested to operate, will earn from this one. It’s a win-win for everyone especially for passengers," he said.
Domingo also said local bus associations servicing the provincial bus routes and jeepney operating groups are also interested in becoming HPBS operators.
Duterte-Carpio, in a previous interview, said she was confident that implementation of the project will commence this year.
HPBS is one of the projects that they are pushing to modernize the transportation system of the city and address the growing need for mass transit system to solve traffic congestion.