DCOTT expects 80K bus passengers per day to travel during Holy Week

THE Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) said on Wednesday, March 29 that they estimate an influx of at least 80,000 passengers traveling per day as the Holy Week draws near.

DCOTT manager Aisa Usop said the influx of passengers may start as early as Friday this week and it may even reach 100,000 during peak travel days. During this time, the DCOTT expects more than 1,500 bus trips per day.

“Nakuha nato na (We were able to achieve those) figures before the pandemic but the more ko naga-expect karon og daghan nga pasahero tungod kay taas-taas ang bakasyon (but I expect more passengers this year because of the longer holiday period),” Usop said during the AFP-PNP press conference.

During this time, manager Aisa Usop said they expect 1,500 bus trips per day and the number of passengers may even reach 100,000 daily during peak travel days.

At the same time, Usop emphasizes that they will adhere to the “no pick-up policy” for provincial buses which means loading and unloading of passengers shall only be at the terminal as per Davao City’s ordinance and DCOTT’s resolution.

She said they have coordinated with the Traffic Enforcement Unit of Davao City Police Office, and the regional offices of Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to properly enforce the said policy.

“The more ta mag expect og daghan nga pasahero kay diha gyod sila manukad sa atong terminal (The more we are expecting a huge number of passengers because everyone will be loading at the terminal),” Usop said.

As preparation for the busy days ahead, DCOTT will also open a separate entrance gate for persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens.

Bus companies are advised to secure special permits from LTFRB-Davao to allow them to ply special routes, including the Davao City to Cagayan de Oro City route.

They also coordinated with the security cluster to ensure the safety and orderliness of the crowd at DCOTT while the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency may also conduct a surprise random drug test. ICM