IN FEBRUARY, the City Government of Davao through the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) launched the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service (PHABS) to service routes that lack public utility vehicles to serve the commuting public.
For the initial implementation, the PHABS is serving commuters in Toril and Catalanun Grande. The bus service starts at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 9 a.m. for the morning phase, and resumes at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the evening phase.
Since it started, it has garnered positive feedback from many Dabawenyos. In a survey conducted by CTTMO among the passengers of PHABS, passengers showed favorable response in having buses as the main transportation in the city over public utility jeepneys (PUJs). Many also said they are willing to pay slightly higher fares for a comfortable and safe commute.
Majority of the passengers surveyed also said they are in favor to have PHABS deployed 24 hours a day.
For those living in the Catalunan Grande and Toril area they have something to be excited about in the upcoming months.
City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) head Dionisio Abude said on Wednesday that they are now only waiting for the special permit from the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to be able to operate the PHABS for 24 hours.
While city officials have pointed out that this is not a precursor to the planned High Priority Bus System (HPBS), the PHABS has shown to Dabawenyos the benefits of having a bus system for a booming city.
While we see the sweeter side of things, the PHABS also highlighted the major flaws of the current public transport system in the city. These flaws became evident especially during the peak hours or when there is a heavy downpour of rain.
Every night, one can see dozens of Dabawenyos lining up along the streets hoping to get a ride for home. Commuting in Davao City is a daily struggle especially during peak hours on weekdays. Some have to wait for hours before they can catch a ride on one of the jeepneys.
Many commuters are so desperate to catch a ride that they are already standing along one lane of the street instead of just waiting along the sidewalk. When a jeepney stops, many would rush to it to get a ride.
When it is raining, commuters may get wet even inside the jeepney. When it is hot, it also is really hot inside the jeepney. Commuters also have to deal with the tight and uncomfortable space of the jeepney.
Shifting the city’s main public transport system will affect many. However, the current system is already taking its toll among those living within the city.
For the commuters in Davao City, it is a daily struggle commuting every day because of the city’s present public transport system. The PHABS is a great start for the city in ushering in the HPBS. We just hope that the city will soon be able to implement the HPBS. As the city grows, it needs a better transport system too.