AN OFFICIAL from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Davao has stated that the solution to the city’s traffic congestion is the Davao Bus Project, previously known as the High Priority Bus System (HPBS).
Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo, assistant city administrator and project manager for the Davao Bus Project, explained that despite the recent purchase of 10 new buses for the DCBus initiative, the Bus Project remains the long-term solution to the city’s ongoing traffic issues.
“The only thing that we really believe could address the majority or 90 percent of our public transportation problem is if we can implement a bigger project, which is the HPBS,” Domingo said during the ISpeak media forum on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the City Hall Training Hall.
Domingo expressed hope that the city will soon be able to implement the Bus Project, noting that it has undergone several feasibility studies since 2011. He emphasized that this project is one of the city’s major plans to be prioritized.
He also stressed that without proper transportation planning and studies, cities risk facing significant disruptions. However, if implemented successfully, the project would not only benefit Davao City but could also serve as a model for other cities.
To recall, the Department of Transportation-Project Office for Davao (DOTr-Davao) confirmed on January 28, 2025, that the Bus Project is still moving forward, despite an eight-month delay. Funding is already secured, though some documentary requirements are still being processed.
DOTr Project Evaluation Officer Richard Villanueva acknowledged that delays are expected in complex projects like this, adding that several land areas still need to be acquired for terminals, depots, and bus stops.
The delay was partly due to the late approval of the project by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) in 2019. The agency had to revalidate the feasibility study to ensure its relevance before the pandemic.
The project will feature an extensive network of 29 routes covering 672 kilometers of road, connecting key areas within Davao City and extending to Panabo City. At least 1,105 buses will operate along these routes, supported by the construction of more than 1,000 bus stops.
Initially, the bus project was expected to begin operations by the end of 2024 and be fully operational by 2025.
In the meantime, the city will continue operating the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service (Phabs) despite the procurement of 10 new buses for DCBus to help ease traffic congestion for commuters.