The Philippines’ Department of Transportation (DOTr) expects the Davao Public Transport Modernisation Project to begin full citywide operations by the fourth quarter of 2028, with pilot services targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027. Construction is ongoing, with implementation increasingly focused on operational readiness, systems technology and operations. The project will introduce a high-priority bus system with dedicated bus stops and lanes along selected roads, alongside institutional capacity-building and social development programmes.
The project covers a 672.9-km road network comprising approximately 32 routes, five depots and three terminals. It will also include an automated fare collection system (AFCS), while electric buses are expected to account for nearly 40 per cent of the modernized fleet. The DOTr has engaged the Asian Development Bank as its transaction adviser and is preparing to bid out key packages covering operations and maintenance, the AFCS, a system integrator and an intelligent transport system.