New terminal sites eyed to decongest Dcott traffic
A DAVAO City councilor proposed the amendment of an ordinance that shall provide comfort and new transport accessibility and opportunities to the commuting public by providing new terminal sites for both buses and vans in Toril and Buhangin to decongest the city’s terminal.
Davao City Councilor Conrado Baluran, chair of the Committee on Transportation and Communication, proposed amendment of Section 1,2 and 4 of ordinance No. 0912-06 otherwise known as “An ordinance further amending Ordinance No. 110, Series of 1994, and Ordinance No. 047-04, Series of 2004 by allowing the establishment by qualified transport vans with duly issued franchise of Certificates of public land transport vans with duly issued franchise or certificates of Public Convenience at the Old Matina and Bajada areas of Davao City.”
Baluran cited that there are about 700 buses daily that are coming in and out the city, thus, adding congestion to the roads going to the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (Dcott). This traffic problem has led them to come up with a solution to at least ease traffic in downtown Davao.
On March 22, a committee hearing, attended by various stakeholders and concerned agencies, was held for consultation on the proposal.
Part of their recommendation is the establishment of new satellite bus terminals outside the city’s downtown area.
“The Committee informed the body that the germane purpose of the proposed amendment of Ordinance 0912-06 specifically Section 1,2 and 4 is to decongest the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) specially the street of Candelaria where the entrance of the DCOTT is found,” the proposal read.
The amendment will give qualified bus and van operators duly issued franchise and Certificate of Public Convenience to have a choice of their own satellite terminals within the specified location as long as they comply with necessary local and national laws.
This is also seen to help generate revenue for the city since more public buses and vans are coming in and out here due to the increase of number of trips.
To realize this, there is a need to amend Ordinance No. 0912-06 specifically Section 1,2 and 4 to give way to the intention and hopes of the Committee to decongest traffic in Dcott and in the city in general.
Under Section 1, the qualified transport operators will be allowed to establish with duly issued franchise of Certificates of Public Convenience extending to Toril, Bajada, and Buhangin areas of Davao City.
All public utility buses with destinations outside Davao City, with final or transient destinations, and/or points of departure of Davao City shall load and unload their passengers at terminal in Catalunan Pequeño for Southbound Route; Dumoy/Puan areas for South/North Cotabato-Davao Route; Panacan, Buhangin and Bajada areas for Northbound route.