Davao Public Transport Modernization Project

The Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) or simply the Davao Bus Project and formerly known as the High Priority Bus System (HPBS), is a 672-kilometer bus route network under construction in Davao City, Philippines. This project is part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

It is a mass transportation system that aims to replace the existing jeepneys that ply throughout Davao City with modern electric buses and Euro-5 standard diesel buses, standardized operations and reliable timetables, an intelligent transportation system to support bus operation, designated bus stops with shelters and lighting, and designated bus lanes in selected road sections. This project is touted as a model for similar urban transportation projects nationwide.

Background
The conceptualization of the bus project started under the leadership of then-mayor and former president Rodrigo Duterte after the Asian Development Bank (ADB) initiated studies promoting for a sustainable and integrated urban transport system in Davao City.

In 2018, the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, then known as the High Priority Bus System Project, was conceptualized and then officially adopted by the then Mayor and now Vice President Sara Z. Duterte for implementation.

On February 2, 2023, the Davao Bus Project was officially approved by the NEDA Board with a total project cost of ₱73.4 billion, over ₱52 billion of which, is via a loan from the ADB. In the same year, the City Government of Davao has vowed to allocate at least ₱1.5 billion as part of the city's contribution and a firm commitment to implement the Davao Bus Project.

The Davao Bus Project is set to commence initial operations by the end of the year 2024 and aims to achieve full operations by the end of 2025. It is estimated to serve more than 800,000 passengers daily.

Funding and planning
The whole project will cost an estimated price of ₱73.37-billion. The project loan covered by ADB will be 60%, with a funding counterpart of 38% from the national government, and 2% from the city.

Project contract packages
The civil works will include five bus depots, three bus terminals, more than a thousand bus stops, a driving school, bus lanes, pedestrian lanes, and signages.

In 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), led by Jaime Bautista signed the contracts for four civil works packages, and representatives from the joint venture of China Wu Yi Co. LTD, Fujian Construction Engineering Group Co. LTD, and Vicente T. Lao Construction for Contract Package No. 4.

Also during the signing were representatives from China International Water and Electric Corporation for packages 1 to 3.

Issues and criticisms
Despite the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program which imposed consolidation among individual jeepney operators, Davao City is exempted from such consolidation due to DPTMP taking place. Making it the only city in the country to be exempted drew flak from various transport cooperatives nationwide.

As of June 2024, the city government is still waiting for the national government's counterpart funds to proceed with the Davao City Public Transport Modernization Project.