In preparation for the city-led Davao Interim Bus Service (DC Bus), the City Government of Davao has commenced a month-long skills development training for 22 bus captains and 22 bus assistants.
The trainees—former public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers with NC III certification in driving—were selected to operate the 10 buses procured by the city government. They belong to the initial batch of identified PUJ drivers who will serve as beneficiaries once the national government’s Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (Davao Bus Project) becomes operational.
The training, which started on August 5, covers basic life support, technical driving skills and refresher courses, the city’s culture of security, gender sensitivity, and practical training and assessment.
Atty. Tristan Dwight P. Domingo, Davao Bus Project Manager, emphasized the importance of road safety and passenger service.
“Ang basic nga road rules we have to comply. Ang pamatasan sa dalan ug sa padulong sa atoang mga pasahero puhon atoang tumanon (We have to comply with the basic road rules. We also have to maintain good behaviour while driving, as well as towards the riding public),” he added.
Domingo also urged Civil Security Unit (CSU) personnel who will accompany the bus captains and assistants during their daily operation to help explain the policies of the DC Bus to the riding public.
“Atoang mga CSU tabang ta og pasabot sa mga pasahero unsa’y mga bawal (To our CSU, let’s help remind and explain policies to our riding public),” he said.
The DC Bus will serve as an interim solution to existing transportation challenges in the city. It will complement the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Services (PHABS) and PUJs, operating Mondays to Saturdays during peak hours.
Dabawenyos may avail of the service for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 10 new buses are expected to arrive by late September, while the target launch is set by October. CIO
