DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The city government is set to implement by the middle of 2019 the High Priority Bus Service (HPBS), a multi-million and modernized public transportation system that will help ease the traffic woes now being experienced by commuters in Davao City.
“Eighty percent of us here in the city is using public transport as the main mode of transportation. Most transportation experts would say that it is relatively a very good percentage, which means any type of public transportation system introduced in the city will be more or less viable,” said Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo, Assistant City Administrator.
As preparations are underway for the full implementation of the project, Domingo said around PHP30 to PHP45 million is needed for the initial phase of the project.
Most of the estimated initial budget will be allocated for the development of complementary infrastructures, to include bus stops and bus terminals, he added.
Domingo said the HPBS project will bring changes in the city as he asked the cooperation of the public including those in the transportation sector.
He emphasized that those who will be affected, like the operators and drivers of passenger jeeps, will also benefit from the project.
“We already have plans for them. The HPBS project will need at least 10,000 new employees,” Domingo said.
In terms of cooperation, Domingo said the city government is encouraging the public, especially the owners of private vehicles to use the HPBS when going to various areas in the city.
He also assured the public that the new public transportation system is more convenient and reliable. (Christine Grace Varron Sabute, HCDC intern/davaotoday.com)
