Davao City’s public transport to add 10 new buses under the Davao Interim Bus Service (DIBS) program, marking a key step toward improving urban mobility in the Philippines. The 12-meter-long units—equipped with access ramps for persons with disabilities, bicycle racks, CCTV cameras, and automated passenger counters—are set to begin operations by mid-November following a short delay caused by inclement weather.
Funded and operated by the city government, DIBS serves as a temporary solution to Davao’s transport challenges while the national government finalizes the larger Davao Bus Project. The new buses will initially offer free rides during peak hours. Routes will be finalized after approval from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Dedicated bus stops will also be installed at fixed locations across the city to ensure efficient operations. Domingo noted that while the current fleet consists of just 10 buses, Davao ultimately requires around 1,000 units to achieve a fully developed and reliable bus system.