
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday, Jan. 19, clarified that Davao City is not exempted from the national government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
This clarification came after reports surfaced online, saying that Davao City jeepneys would not be affected by the PUVMP.
In a statement, the transportation department said that it is embarking on a bus-based public transportation system for Davao, called Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) also known as “DavaoBus.”
“That is separate yet complementary to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program,” the DOTr said.
According to the agency, the DPTMP includes building dedicated bus lanes, depots, and terminals along a route network spanning more than 600 kilometers.
The DOTr noted that the DavaoBus Project will use modern buses that have complied with the PUVMP.
The DavaoBus, funded by the Asian Development Bank, is a 672-kilometer project with nine routes connecting significant regions in Davao City, Panabo City, and Davao del Norte.
“The project will create an intelligent transport system using environment-friendly buses and modernized PUVs with standardized operations and reliable bus schedules,” the DOTr stated.