Davao City conducts physical consultation mission for PUV modernization project

MANILA: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the City Government of Davao, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), conducted a physical consultation mission from January 31 to February 2 in Davao City with the goal of reinforcing and strengthening the commitment to accomplish the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP), also known as the Davao High Priority Bus System (HPBS).

The DPTMP, one of the DOTr's premier infrastructure projects, is anticipated to vastly improve the commuter experience in Davao City by establishing an efficient, safe, comfortable, and dependable public transport system. It will also serve as a model for future HPBS projects that might be implemented across the Philippines.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor met with ADB representative Shuji Kimura on February 1 to discuss the aforementioned project.

Usec. Pastor and the DPTMP Program Management Office (PMO) delivered updates on the project's status at the meeting. Usec. Pastor expressed his appreciation for the support of the City Government of Davao in guaranteeing the project's successful completion.

For his part, Mayor Duterte reaffirmed the city's unwavering support for the initiative and emphasized the significance of a modernized transportation network for improving Davaoeños' standard of living.

Usec. Pastor also went to witness a simulation-based driver training program in action on February 2. This was launched by the DOTr and the City Government of Davao in collaboration with Ramboll Group and DriveWise.

The training program is powered by virtual reality and artificial intelligence simulations of various driving environments and situations. This demonstration in Davao City assessed the drivers' readiness for a blended learning course in preparation for the DPTMP.

During the three-day mission, the DPTMP PMO, ADB, and the City Government of Davao also had discussions on project readiness, confirmed project funding arrangements, and held a workshop on environmental protection at the implementation stage.

Photos from Department of Transportation

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