Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez has laid down the law for the long-awaited Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP), ordering a strict “no more delays” policy during a site inspection on February 26, 2026. The department is now officially targeting partial operations of the system by the fourth quarter of 2027.
The project, also known as DavaoBus, is being positioned as the “gold standard” for urban mobility that the government hopes to replicate in other major Philippine cities.
A High-Tech Fleet for 800,000 Commuters
Once fully operational, the DPTMP will replace the city’s aging jeepney fleet with a massive, 672-kilometer network of modern buses. The scale of the project is significant:
- Total Fleet: 1,105 modern units
- The Mix: 386 electric buses (the country’s largest EV fleet), 531 regular buses, and 188 mini-buses.
- Daily Impact: Expected to serve roughly 800,000 commuters every day.
Fast-Tracking the Infrastructure
Secretary Lopez emphasized that the time for excuses is over, particularly regarding the construction of critical hubs. The accelerated work schedule includes:
- Terminals & Depots: Strategic hubs in Calinan, Toril, and Buhangin are being prioritized to house and maintain the new fleet.
- Bus Driving Academy: Construction is underway for the country’s first-ever specialized academy in Calinan, designed to professionalize bus drivers and ensure passenger safety.
- Right-of-Way (ROW): The DOTr is working closely with the Davao City government to finalize the remaining land acquisitions and permits needed to keep the 2027 target realistic.
DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the fast-tracking of the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP), targeting partial operations by Q4 2027. The P73-billion project will feature a 672-km network served by 1,105 buses, including 386 electric units. During a February 2026 inspection, Lopez emphasized that no further delays would be tolerated and that the project would serve as a model for transport systems nationwide. Key infrastructure like depots and a specialized driving academy are currently under construction.