Davao City Interim Bus Service Set to Launch This October

By emmawalker, World-Today-News.com

Davao City is gearing up for the launch of its Interim Bus Service, with operations expected to commence this october. the initiative aims to alleviate worsening traffic congestion within the city.

Lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo, acting city administrator and Davao City Bus Project manager, announced the target launch date, citing a directive from Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. “Maybe by late September or October, those 10 buses will finally be operational,” domingo stated in a radio interview on Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDCR) on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

The new buses are anticipated to arrive in the city by August or September, with the hope that Tesda-certified drivers will be trained and familiar with the units by then. Domingo explained that the buses will operate exclusively during peak hours, a schedule approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).This limitation is based on demand and studies indicating that Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) are most utilized during these times. Furthermore, operating only during peak hours is intended to prevent direct competition with PUJ drivers.

The Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service (PHABS), a temporary measure to ease traffic, will continue to run concurrently with the interim bus service. Domingo emphasized that both services will operate simultaneously to support commuters.

Domingo clarified that the interim bus service is a city-led effort, as the full implementation of the davao Bus Project, which involves replacing approximately 1,000 PUJs with new buses, will require more time.The current procurement of buses is designed to assist Dabawenyos with their daily commute, notably during rush hours. He also stressed that this interim service is not a permanent solution to the city’s traffic issues.

the city government acquired 10 Yutong ZK6126HG buses through a ceremonial contract signing with AutoKID Truck Solutions on April 21. These low-floor city buses are part of the DC Bus Interim Service and feature modern amenities, accommodating around 40 seated passengers with additional standing room.