PASSENGER traffic at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (Dcott) remains steady despite recent fuel price hikes, with another surge expected this week due to consecutive holidays and work-from-home arrangements.
Dcott manager Aisa Usop said in an ambush interview with SunStar Davao that passenger volume increased over the weekend of March 28 and 29 before stabilizing early in the week.
“Naipag-increase sa mga pasahero then Saturday and Sunday [March 28 and 29], pero pagka lunes ug kahapon naging back to normal. Today, Wednesday, I am expecting nga aduna na pud pag-increase sa mga pasahero (There was an increase in passengers last Saturday and Sunday [March 28 and 29], but by Monday and yesterday, it returned to normal. Today, Wednesday, I expect another increase in passengers),” she told SunStar Davao on April 1, 2026.
Usop said demand remains driven by the holiday period and flexible work arrangements. She added that higher transport costs have not significantly reduced passenger turnout.
Bus operations remain stable
Usop said bus operations continue under a strict dispatch policy to ensure uninterrupted service regardless of passenger volume.
“Naa gyud trip sa mga buses because we have a policy nga gina-implement [mga] 30-minute interval. Mapuno man o dili ang bus, once mahuman ang 30 minutes, you have to exit (here are scheduled trips for buses because we implement a 30-minute interval. Whether the bus is full or not, it must depart once the 30 minutes are up),” she said.
She noted that a drop in passengers after peak periods, such as Holy Week, could affect terminal revenues.
“Kung maminusan ang atong mga pasahero after Holy Week, it will affect the income of our terminal. And remember, the terminal is also a government facility (If our number of passengers decreases after Holy Week, it will affect the income of our terminal. And remember, the terminal is also a government facility),” she added. So far, Usop said no bus company has signaled plans to reduce trips or manpower despite rising fuel costs.
The terminal continues to implement the same operational policies, including the 30-minute dispatch interval.
“Wala pa nag-change ang policy. Mao lang gihapon ang among gina-follow (The policy has not changed. We are still following the same system),” she said.
Fare hike on hold
Earlier in March, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved fare adjustments for public utility vehicles, including buses. However, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. suspended the implementation, saying it is not the right time to increase fares amid rising fuel prices.
“Hindi ito ang panahon para magtaas ng pamasahe para sa ating mga kababayan (This is not the time to increase fares for our fellow citizens),” Marcos said.
The LTFRB also issued show cause orders against eight bus companies nationwide for allegedly implementing unauthorized fare increases.
LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza II said operators must comply with existing regulations despite the challenges posed by rising fuel costs.
“These challenges must never be used as a reason or as an excuse to violate existing regulations at the expense of commuters,” he said. “This is not acceptable, and they must explain properly why they should not be penalized.”
He added that companies must explain why they should not be penalized, warning that failure to respond or attend hearings may result in fines of up to P5,000. RGL