AS THE Davao City government accelerates its public transport modernization efforts, a local transport cooperative has expressed concern about the possible effects of the initiative on jeepney drivers.
Southeastern Mindanao Diversified Drivers & Operators Cooperative (Semddoc) Chairman Maning Duran raised the issue during a radio interview on dxDC RMN Davao earlier this week.
Duran pointed out that the city’s recent acquisition of 10 12-meter, low-floor buses could impact the livelihoods of Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers, many of whom rely solely on daily operations to support their families.
He emphasized that while the cooperative supports the goal of improving urban mobility, they are concerned that an abrupt phase-out of jeepneys may displace a significant number of drivers.
Duran also underscored the need for the city to provide alternative livelihood opportunities should the full implementation of the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project result in the retirement of traditional PUJs.
The acquired buses are set to operate by the fourth quarter of 2025 as part of the city’s Davao Bus Project, a program designed to ease congestion during rush hours by providing government-operated transport.
City officials clarified that the new buses are an interim solution while the broader Davao Public Transport Modernization Project remains underway.
Project manager lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo explained that data gathered from the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service (Phabs) operations confirmed a persistent demand for more reliable public transport, particularly along underserved routes. This prompted the city to expand the program while awaiting the full rollout of the modernization plan.
Phabs, launched in 2019, was created to provide relief to commuters dealing with long wait times and limited vehicle availability during peak travel hours.
However, even with the current operations, some passengers continue to report difficulties in accessing timely and sufficient transport options.
Currently, as the city prepares for the expanded bus service, Semddoc and other transport groups are urging officials to adopt a more inclusive transition strategy, one that protects the welfare of PUJ drivers and ensures no one is left behind in Davao’s journey toward a modern transport system. DEF