DAVAO CITY (AUGUST 12) — The City Government of Davao has launched a month-long training program for 22 bus captains and 22 bus assistants ahead of the roll-out of the Davao Interim Bus Service (DC Bus).
The participants, all former public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers with NC III driving certification, were selected to operate the 10 buses recently procured by the city government. They form the first batch of identified PUJ drivers who will benefit from the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project once the national government’s Davao Bus Project becomes fully operational.
The training, which began on August 5, covers technical driving skills, basic life support, gender sensitivity, the city’s culture of security, and hands-on practical assessments. Davao Bus Project Manager Atty. Tristan Dwight P. Domingo underscored the importance of road safety and proper passenger service.
“We have to comply with the basic road rules. We also have to maintain good behaviour while driving and towards the riding public,” Domingo said. He also urged members of the Civil Security Unit (CSU), who will accompany bus crews during daily operations, to assist in informing passengers about bus policies.
The DC Bus will serve as an interim solution to Davao’s transport challenges, complementing the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Services (PHABS) and existing PUJs. It will operate Mondays to Saturdays during peak hours and offer free rides on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 10 new buses are expected to arrive by late September, with the official launch targeted for October.
