The Department of Transportation (DOTr) of the Philippines has announced plans to commence partial operations for the Davao Public Transport Modernisation Program (DPTMP) by 2026.
The project is financially backed by the national government, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the local government of Davao City. In July 2023, the government obtained a USD1.014 billion loan from ADB for the initiative. The project will be completed by 2027.
The DPTMP will introduce a modern bus system featuring electric and Euro-5 diesel buses on 29 routes, covering a 672.95-km network. This system aims to improve public transport in Davao City by providing standardised operations, reliable schedules, and an intelligent transport system, alongside infrastructure improvements like designated bus stops and dedicated bus lanes. The project is expected to serve around 800,000 passengers daily, helping reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (GHE).
