High Priority Bus System by 1st quarter 2020?

High Priority Bus System by 1st quarter 2020?

A DAVAO City official said the initial phase of the High Priority Bus System (HPBS) is being pushed to be implemented before the year ends or by first quarter of 2020.

City assistant administrator Tristan Dwight Domingo Thursday, September 5, said that the city government is struggling to finance the HPBS, which aims to shift from the current public utility jeepney (PUJ) transport system to a high-end bus system.

He said the estimated cost of the proposed bus system would be around P12 billion.

Previously, the official said the city government continues to seek the help of the national government in applying for a loan with the Asian Development Bank to fund the transport project.

However, Domingo said the city recently passed the Supplemental Budget wherein P100 million will be allocated for the initial implementation of the HPBS through the Davao Integrated Bus System (Dibs), wherein 35 city-type buses will be operated in the areas of Catalunan Grande and C.P. Garcia Highway (Diversion Road).

He said the budget includes the identification and creation of bus stops and compensation of the affected PUJ drivers under Dibs.

“The reason why we cannot just implement the HPBS is because we have to consider a lot of factors. This includes those drivers and operators who will be taken out of the roads,” Domingo said on Thursday during the iSpeak media forum at the City Hall of Davao.

He said the city identified the two areas as the initial routes for Dibs because Catalunan Grande only has 69 PUJ vehicles while the Diversion Road has no operating PUJs in that route.

“As for the exact amount to be allocated to the affected drivers, we are still finalizing it. Because we want it to be uniform. What we will be giving to those operating in Catalunan Grande will also be the same amount we will give to those in other routes or areas,” Domingo said

Domingo, meanwhile, clarified that the purchasing of the buses is not included in the allocated budget, and they are looking for interested bus companies who are willing to operate under the initial phase of the bus system.

He said in a previous report that there are already a few bus companies who are interested to operate under the Dibs.

Prior to the proposed bus system, the city currently has the augmented buses under the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Services (Phabs) due to lack of PUJs in mentioned areas particularly in Catalunan Grande and Toril.

While he said the city is aware of the plight of some passengers to add more bus augmentation in some areas of the city, he said the city is asking for their patience while they are exerting efforts to address the city’s looming traffic situation. (RGL)

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