SUSTAINABLE MINDANAO MANEUVERING: TRANSPORTATION MODERNIZATION BY THE HIGH-PRIORITY BUS SYSTEM
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HIGH-PRIORITY BUS SYSTEM
A s urban development continues, transportation also increases. Nowadays, the demand for better transportation is increasing due to transportation. Davao City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) director Ivan Cortez said that Davao City currently suffers from heavy traffic during the morning and evening hours, but there is less traffic during the peak period (Mendoza, 2022). On July 1, 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos witnessed the signing of the P73.3 billion Davao Public Transportation Modernization Program (DPTMP) agreement between the government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). As part of the infrastructure initiatives under the Marcos administration’s “Build, Better, More” program, DPTMP aims to address urban and transportation issues in Davao City. The project is expected to serve 800,000 passengers daily when completed (Lim, 2023). Regardless of the disadvantages of the project, the Department of Transportation should push through the implementation of the High-Priority Bus System because it reduces air pollution by promoting public transportation, improves commuter comfortability inside the vehicles, and improves commuting efficiency by having higher vehicle occupancy.
THE FLAWS OF THE SYSTEM
S everal locals opposed the use of the main bus because it would put PUV drivers out of work. Amid an economic slowdown, record unemployment, and one of the worst outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus in Southeast Asia, the Duterte administration has announced an ambitious construction plan: new vehicles that will eliminate non-electric or non-Euro-4 electric vehicles are starting as citizens start with Jeepneys. Thousands of jeepney workers have been displaced since March 2020 because they were not allowed to work without modernizing their vehicles (Just Transition Research Collaborative, 2021). Additionally, Golez (2023) warned that the jeepney modernization program would harm the livelihoods of PUV drivers who cannot afford to repair their vehicles. Because their income is low, they can only meet the family’s needs. The program will require them to sacrifice their savings to keep their jobs, and if they are not paid adequate wages, it will be difficult for them to earn their jobs. Likewise, in an interview with jeep driver Ruel Obligar, he said that they used the money they earned from this job to support their families. Thousands of jeep operators were displaced because there was insufficient money to repair new jeepneys. Therefore, jeepney drivers begin to struggle with how to keep their jobs in these difficult times, especially when driving for their survival and the needs of their families (Ballaran, 2017). Even if these jobs disappear, new jobs will be created to replace them. The program also offers new Jeep drivers opportunities, leading to additional employment opportunities. The program would need to produce new jeepney models, which would give them new jobs (“Jeepney Modernization,” 2023). In addition, there is opposition to high-priority bus systems due to high potential fare costs for passengers. Local transportation group Transmission-Piston said the modernization program will affect 15,000 jeepney drivers as about 5,000 units will no longer operate on the city’s main roads, where higher fares will apply (“Jeepney drivers in Davao,” 2023).
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also approved a ₱2 uniform base fare increase for provincial and city buses for the first five kilometers and an additional charge of ₱0.35 to ₱0.50 per kilometer depending on the type of bus (Herrera, 2022). As of November 2022, the minimum fare for air-conditioned buses in Metro Manila is ₱15 for the first four kilometers, plus ₱2.65 for each subsequent kilometer. The minimum fare on regular buses is ₱13 for the first four kilometers, plus ₱2.25 for each subsequent kilometer. On the other hand, the minimum fare for a traditional jeepney is ₱12 for the first four kilometers, plus ₱1.80 for each subsequent kilometer, while the minimum fare for a modern or electric jeepney is ₱14 for the first four kilometers, plus P2.200. for each subsequent kilometer (Lao, 2022). While high fare costs for passengers may be a concern for a high-priority bus system, it must be considered that they are paying for better-quality transportation. Moreover, in the US context, New York City’s Chief Climate Officer, Aggarwala (2014), stated that $85 billion raised through full fare pricing would be used to enhance the system, improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. overall economic productivity makes the city more competitive than places like London and Singapore. Transit riders understand that you get what you pay for, and if they want better transit, they should be more willing to pay for it. Hence, higher fares will equate to better-quality transportation.
Also, many locals oppose the implementation of a High-Priority Bus System because it would affect local communities, residents, and businesses due to the construction of bus stations and terminals. Initially, six depots will be constructed, each located in the barangays of Buhangin, Calinan, Sasa, and Sto. Niño, and Toril. In addition, the three terminals — Bunawan, Calinan, and Toril — are intended to have passenger buildings with climate-controlled waiting areas, loading or unloading bays, and layover bays. Finally, there is a proposal to establish a driving school in Calinan (Department of Transportation, 2022). Land acquisition claims for the project will affect seven barangays in the city, namely: Cabantian, Bunawan Proper, Calinan Proper, Lacson, Panacan, Catalunan Pequeño, and Bato. The total land area to be acquired is 52.30 hectares of land, out of which 48.30 hectares are private lands and 4.00 hectares are public lands. Private individuals owned a total area of 39.46 hectares, and private corporations owned 8.83 hectares (Department of Transportation, 2022). 21 individuals from IP communities, namely, the Ata Tribe, Tagabawa, Obu Manuvu, Matigsalug, Bagobo-Tagabawa, and Bagobo Klata, attended the meeting, which highlighted the HPBS’s project overview, components, and environmental and social impact assessment. They were also informed that the bus stop would affect the IP communities, but there would be no major physical displacement for those communities (Sunnexdex, 2022). To compensate the affected communities, rehabilitation schemes and other alternative measures have been proposed. Mayor Sara Duterte has issued Executive Order No. 7 to reconstitute the local inter-agency committee to assess rehabilitation for stakeholders affected by the city’s transportation initiative, HPBS, and the Mindanao Railway System. The HPBS includes two detailed plans for rehabilitation: a plan for a depot, terminal, and driving school, and a Rehabilitation and Indigenous Peoples Plan (RIPP) for bus stops and pedestrian improvements, which will cross three IP communities (Ocampo, 2022).
THE ADVANTAGES OF THE SYSTEM
D espite the criticism of the express bus system, the DOTr should continue with the project as it reduces air pollution in urban areas. Buses can be adapted to meet the needs of different environments. Even gas buses can reduce pollution if they carry enough passengers. When operating at 25% capacity, the bus produces 0.64 pounds of CO2 per passenger kilometer. They produce 0.18 pounds at full capacity and are cheaper than rails (Pierre-Louis, 2023). Traffic emissions heavily influence air pollution, which accounts for 85% of daily greenhouse gas emissions. Daily commuting contributes significantly to global warming, acid rain, and environmental damage. Therefore, to reduce these harmful effects, it is important to reduce the number of cars on the road as much as possible. One way to achieve this is to use public transport, which can reduce fuel consumption and improve air quality. Air pollution is a major problem, and a major contributor is the amount of traffic emitted every day. 85% of daily greenhouse gas emissions come from daily traffic. More cars on the road, global warming, acid rain, and more damage to the environment. By using public transport, less fuel will be burned, and air quality can be improved (Arambula, 2021). Cities around the world are investing in public transport systems using new technology, cleaner fuels, and better services. This development brings many benefits to the region, including improved traffic management, economic development, equal transportation accessibility, and improved public health. Public transport helps the environment by reducing the number of single vehicles on the road. More ridership on public transport means less fuel consumption, less air pollution, and a lower regional carbon footprint. Cleaner air from increased public transit benefits not only users but also the region (“Why Transit,” 2016). Therefore, improving the bus system helps reduce air pollution in the area.
Additionally, the continuation of the Davao Public Transportation Modernization Project will make it more convenient for passengers. Since the travel time in the project scenario is faster compared to the existing public transportation in Davao City, the plan will provide public transportation with safe and convenient ways to save time when traveling
abroad (Asian Development Bank, 2023). The introduction of the HPBS in Davao City is expected to help address safety concerns regarding accessibility. This project will improve public transportation in Davao City through the implementation of intelligent transportation systems that include bus parking, automatic fare collection, online bus access, parking lots, and garages. For a growing city like Davao, the transition to public transportation is very necessary to solve the current problems affecting passengers, especially during weekends and holiday breaks. It can be beneficial for passengers, especially the disabled, the elderly, and
pregnant women, as it is safe, convenient, and cheap, and there is no public transportation (Colina, 2023). Davao City’s High-Priority Bus System (HPBS) will help solve passengers’ safety issues while promoting safety and convenience, thereby better providing public transportation. One of the benefits of HBPS is the safety features built into the bus and bus terminal that make passengers safer. The concerns of the unemployed, especially women with disabilities, and people with easy transportation or public transportation were also considered during the planning phase. Finally, they ensure the implementation of Gender and Development Agenda (GAD) measures. They hope that through the app, local people can
travel better, easily, cheaply, and peacefully (City Government of Davao, 2021). Therefore, the HPBS will facilitate faster and safer travel for the convenience of commuters.
Finally, the most important buses would make commuting more efficient by being able to accommodate more passengers. Many people want to get home during rush hour, so the current public transportation system can handle it. This meant Davaoeños had to walk far or wait for a ride. However, passengers will greatly benefit from its use, as HPBS can handle
800,000 passengers per day (Mendoza, 2022). As stated by Lim (2023), DPTMP aims to reduce the current 120 jeepney routes to 30. 1,000 bus stops will be built along the bus route to protect passengers from severe weather conditions. It would also include minor improvements such as bus priority buses, cutting bus lanes, pedestrian crossings, sidewalk improvements near bus stops, automated bus stops, and Wi-Fi on buses, stations, parking lots, and other public places. Additionally, the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) and provincial buses work well with HPBS. Metro Manila’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) system is funded by the World Bank. It provides comfortable, safe, and reliable transportation for approximately 300,000 passengers every day. Just like a train, it can move many people while operating on a selected route (“Philippines: First Metro Manila Bus,” 2017). In this way, the most important bus that can meet the number of passengers will make rush hour traffic stress-free.
A FUTURE FOR BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
With more and more developments in cities comes the need for development in transportation. This called for the proposed project in Davao City called the High Priority Bus System (HPBS). It provides Davaoeños various benefits, including lesser air pollution in the city, more comfortable public transportation by ensuring safety and quicker travel times, and increased passenger capacities in vehicles. Although the downsides of this project cannot be disregarded, For the system to be well-tailored for PUV and PUJ drivers, they should be included in discussions to find better and longer-term solutions to cope with the problems that
arise because of the implementation of the High-Priority Bus System. Moreover, the city government of Davao should also consider the PUJ and PUV drivers affected. It is recommended that they be given alternative sources of income that they can use to make a living. Their efforts must be geared towards implementing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development policies and practices that prioritize access to efficient transportation. Furthermore, the public is also encouraged to help spread awareness among residents of Davao and educate one another about the benefits of the HPBS project. Ultimately, sustainable, and just transportation will be achieved in Mindanao with the cooperation of drivers, government officials, and locals alike.
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