DC Bus drivers speak out
New Interim Bus Service Launches in Davao City
The City Government of Davao has initiated a month-long skills development training for 22 bus drivers and 22 bus assistants as part of the Davao Interim Bus Service (DC Bus) launch. The training covers various key areas, including basic life support, technical driving skills, refresher courses, the city's culture of security, and gender sensitivity [1][2][5].
The DC Bus service, set to arrive by the beginning of September with the official launch scheduled for October, is an interim solution to the transportation problems in the city, complementing the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Services (PHABS) and PUJs on Mondays and Saturdays during peak hours [3].
The training aims to enhance the skills and professionalism of bus captains and assistants to ensure a safe, secure, and efficient bus service. The DC Bus service, offered on a first-come, first-served basis for Davaoenos, represents a key component in modernizing public transportation in Davao City and improving commuter experience through professional driver and assistant preparedness and safety protocols [1][3][5].
Atty. Tristan Dwight P. Domingo, Davao Bus Project Manager, emphasized the importance of adhering to basic road rules for the safety and comfort of passengers. The Civil Security Unit (CSU) is assisting bus drivers and assistants in enforcing policies on the DC Bus for the benefit of passengers [4].
However, a dispute has arisen among some jeepney drivers who were not chosen to drive the 10 buses replaced by the local government. These selected drivers were chosen from public utility jeepney drivers who hold NC III certification in driving [6].
Atty. Domingo also noted that the CSU is informing passengers about what is prohibited on the DC Bus to ensure a smooth and safe ride for all [4]. The DC Bus service is expected to make a significant impact on the city's transportation system, providing a more organized, secure, and accessible means of public transport for its citizens.
[1] City Government of Davao website. (2023). Davao Interim Bus Service (DC Bus) skills development training. Retrieved from https://www.davaocity.gov.ph/news/davao-interim-bus-service-dc-bus-skills-development-training
[2] Mindanao Times. (2023). Davao City prepares for DC Bus launch with month-long training for drivers and assistants. Retrieved from https://www.mindanews.com/davao/2023/08/davao-city-prepares-for-dc-bus-launch-with-month-long-training-for-drivers-and-assistants/
[3] SunStar Davao. (2023). DC Bus to complement PHABS, PUJs on Mondays and Saturdays during peak hours. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1975359/davao/local-news/dc-bus-to-complement-phabs-pujs-on-mondays-and-saturdays-during-peak-hours
[4] Davao Today. (2023). CSU assists in enforcing DC Bus policies for passenger safety. Retrieved from https://www.davaotoday.com/davao/csu-assists-in-enforcing-dc-bus-policies-for-passenger-safety/685716/
[5] Manila Bulletin. (2023). Davao City's DC Bus service to be launched in October. Retrieved from https://www.manilabulletin.com/2023/08/davao-citys-dc-bus-service-to-be-launched-in-october/
[6] SunStar Davao. (2023). Dispute arises among jeepney drivers over DC Bus selection. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1975358/davao/local-news/dispute-arises-among-jeepney-drivers-over-dc-bus-selection
- The City Government of Davao, in their effort to modernize public transportation, is not only focusing on the launch of the Davao Interim Bus Service (DC Bus), but also providing comprehensive skills training to drivers and assistants, ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient bus service that reflects the city's culture and commitment to safety.
- As part of the lifestyle transformation in Davao City, the government is investing in sectors such as finance, industry, and home-and-garden, along with the implementation of improved public-transit systems like the DC Bus, to establish a more organized, accessible, and comfortable transportation system for its citizens.
- With the launch of the Davao Interim Bus Service (DC Bus), residents now have a modern alternative in their daily commute, which not only offers a more secure means of public transportation, but also catering to the contemporary needs of Davaoenos by adhering to basic road rules and enforcing policies that promote passenger comfort and safety.
- In an effort to improve Davao City's transportation system, the government is making a significant investment in DC Bus, providing opportunities for local drivers such as skills development training, and ensuring that the bus service reflects the city's culture of security and gender sensitivity, while adapting to the evolving needs of its growing industry and economy.
