BY CHELSEA JEAN VALENTOS, LIZA BELLE PATAGOC & ROSELYN DIAZ/DSNC Interns
THE CONSTRUCTION of three major bus terminals in Davao City is expected to take several years to complete, with the Davao City Overland Transportation Terminal (DCOTT) remaining the sole facility to cater to provincial buses in the meantime.
During the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps on Wednesday, March 25, Aisa Usop, DCOTT manager, assured the public that operations will continue while long-term infrastructure plans are underway.
Usop emphasized that despite challenges affecting the transportation sector, stricter security measures have been implemented at the terminal.
“We want to inform everyone that despite the crisis we are facing, which has also affected our transportation, we have not stopped; instead, we have intensified the implementation of security measures in our terminal,” Usop said.
She added that the terminal continues to strictly enforce its existing policies and guidelines.
Meanwhile, Series Transport Incorporated has secured approval from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to operate at DCOTT, following the exit of Philtranco, which previously served the Davao-Luzon route.
The new operator, a sister company of Mindanao Star, Rural Transit, and Bachelor Express, will provide trips from Davao City to Cubao, Quezon City, and expand services to Batangas, Panay Island provinces, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon.
Metro Shuttle continues to operate routes connecting Davao City to Tagum, Surigao, Agusan, Cabadbaran, and Buenavista.
During the Araw ng Davao celebration, Mindanao Star was recognized at the Garbo sa Davao Awards for its contribution to public service and regional connectivity.
Commuters can expect continued service and more travel options while the new terminals are being developed.
