DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/26 March) – The city’s lone bus terminal is seeing fewer daily bus trips due to soaring fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Aisa Usop, general manager of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), reported during the Davao Peace and Security Press Conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, 25 March, that bus companies have reduced trips as petroleum prices continue to rise. She noted that some bays at the terminal, which were previously always occupied, are now vacant.
The terminal now averages 500 to 600 bus trips per day, down from 700 to 800 before the oil crisis. While the terminal had enforced a 30-minute interval rule for departures, Usop said they may extend waiting times if requested by bus companies.
Usop observed that fewer buses are entering the terminal, leading to vacant bays that were once in high demand. The decline in trips may also reduce the local government’s income from the terminal.
With Holy Week approaching, starting March 27, the terminal expects a surge in passengers as people travel to their hometowns. Usop suggested that car owners may switch to buses due to high fuel costs.
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced another fuel price hike on Monday, with increases of P11.88 per liter for diesel, P6.47 for gasoline, and P13.66 for kerosene, effective March 24.
Usop said the terminal is preparing for the peak travel period during Holy Week and has coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to secure special permits for additional bus units. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
