TRAVELING from downtown Davao City to Toril and vice versa will be just a matter of minutes as fast ferries or fastcrafts are being proposed by a group of Chinese businessmen, a city councilor revealed.
Councilor Conrado Baluran said the businessmen made the proposal to reduce the travel time between the two areas.
According to Google Map, travel time between these areas would entail around 50 minutes if traveled by land, minus the traffic. Baluran said travel by sea would be twice faster.
The councilor, however, said the businessmen opted not to be named for the meantime as they are still working with the proposal.
He said fastcrafts are mostly-used mode of transportation in Cebu and Bohol going to the nearest neighboring islands.
“Nindot ni nga project kay aron ma-decongest ang traffic sa downtown (This is a nice project as it would decongest the traffic in the downtown area),” Baluran said.
Although he admitted it needs to undergo a feasibility study as it would affect public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, especially the jeepney drivers who will soon be affected in the High Priority Bus System (HPBS).
HPBS is a transport modernization project of the city government which aims to decongest the city’s worsening traffic situation.
The proponent, according to the councilor, said they are proposing to put up terminals at the Sta. Ana Pier and at Daliao fish port in Toril.
He also said 10 fast craft ferry boats were already procured prior to the proposal.
He added the boat can cater to 40 to 50 passengers.
As to the possible fare rate, Baluran said it is definitely more expensive than regular jeepney. He said the businessmen are proposing to charge P30 to P40 as fare, adding however that the committee on transportation, which he is heading, will be studying the proposed fare rate.
Baluran said he will be filing the matter on Tuesday, January 21, under privilege speech.