DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sara Duterte urged the public to utilize the Interim Bus System (IBS) after the launch of its second route to address the transportation needs of more commuters from Catalunan Grande to Roxas Avenue in Davao City.
The second route of IBS is being serviced by a fleet of six air conditioned Davao Metro Shuttle buses from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 15 to 20-minute intervals.
Duterte said the local government envisioned a safer, more convenient, and more efficient public transport system that will lead to a future “characterized by strong economic growth, sustainable development, and improved quality of life for all.”
The IBS is considered as a prelude to the implementation of P18.6 billion High Priority Bus System (HPBS), which has been identified as a priority project under the city government’s Transport Roadmap.
According to the City Information Office, at least 15 additional units will be rolled out to serve the second route.
The roadmap seeks to “support the improvement of transportation,” prioritizing transportation modes based on economic, environmental, and community sustainability.
De Carlo “Oyo” Uy, chief executive officer of Metro Shuttle Corporation, said the modernization of the public transport system is one of those impacted due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“It is a challenge especially with the new normal. A challenge worth pursuing, facing head on, in order to provide Dabawenyos a safe, clean and comfortable ride during this pandemic and thereafter in new and modern buses,” he said.
The bus company also services the first route of the IBS, along McArthur Highway to Sasa, which was launched only in February.
There are 21 bus stops identified along the second route. For downtown-bound passengers, bus stop are located at Elenita Heights Subdivision, San Gabriel, Deca Samantha, SGR Village, Catalunan Grande Barangay Hall, Pag-ibig Homes, San Isidro Labrador Parish, Petron Bangkal, Flores Village, Tahimik Avenue, Talomo Police Station, GSIS Subd., Petron Near Corner Quimpo, South Grove, Fronting Doña Luisa Village, SM City in Ecoland, Fronting University Ave., Fronting Gasera, Felcris Centrale, Corner Rizal St., Infront of Aurora St., and Ateneo Roxas Ave.
Bus stops for south-bound passengers are located at Roxas Avenue (Ateneo de Davao University), Camus Ave, Mercury Bankerohan, UM Matina, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, NCCC Layby, Coca-Cola Village, Davao Memorial Park, Fronting Rolls Royce St., Fronting Kawayan Drive, GSIS Subd., Talomo Police Station, Tahimik Drive, Fronting ACC Auto Shop, SPeD Bangkal, Petron Bangkal, San Isidro Labrador Parish, Pag-ibig Homes, Cat. Grande Brgy. Hall, SGR Village, Deca Homes, San Gabriel, and Elenita Heights.
Beep cards for cashless payment of bus fares will be available soon at Bankerohan Terminal, Ecoland Terminal, and 7-Eleven outlets.