Davao City has taken another step toward better public transport with the launch of the Davao City Interim Bus Service, also known as the DC Bus. The launch took place during the opening of the Pasko Fiesta sa Davao celebration on November 27. It was a proud moment for the city, made even brighter by the presence of local leaders and partners who helped make the project possible.

The event was attended by Acting Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, several city councilors, department heads, consulate offices, deputy mayors, and officials from public and private groups. Their presence showed strong support for a project meant to serve the growing number of commuters in Davao.

As the city continues to grow, so does the need for better and safer transport. The DC Bus aims to answer those needs. It brings more comfort, safety, and order for everyday travelers. It also supports jeepney drivers who now have new roles in the system.

A Service Made for Dabawenyos

The DC Bus is more than a transport project. It carries the message, “For the Dabawenyos, from Dabawenyos.” It is a system built to serve the people and improve their daily trips.

Project Manager Atty. Tristan Dwight P. Domingo shared that the DC Bus is set to begin full operations on December 5. As part of its early phase, the buses will run during peak hours when most people need transport the most.

The schedule is simple and easy to remember:

• 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
• 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Monday to Saturday

These hours match the busiest times of the day. Students, office workers, and other commuters can expect smoother and more reliable rides during rush hours. Even better, the city is offering free rides during these peak times.

This move helps ease the cost of travel and gives everyone a chance to try the new service.

Routes Covered by the DC Bus

The new bus system covers several main areas in the city, offering more choices for commuters. Here are the routes:

• R102 – Toril to GE Torres (Sandawa)
• R103 – Toril to Roxas
• R402 – Mintal to GE Torres
• R403 – Mintal to Roxas
• R503 – Bangkal to Roxas
• R603 – Buhangin to Roxas
• R763 – Panacan (via Buhangin) to Roxas
• R783 – Panacan (via Angliongto) to Roxas
• R793 – Panacan (via R. Castillo) to Roxas

These routes link major communities to key drop-off points in the city. They give residents more choices and reduce the stress of searching for a ride during rush hour.

Check out the graphic guides below. Each one shows the bus stops along the routes, making it easier for you to follow the new system.

A Special Moment for Former Jeepney Drivers

One of the highlights of the launch was the pinning ceremony for the 22 bus captains of the DC Bus. Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II led the ceremony. For these bus captains, the event was a proud milestone.

These 22 individuals are former jeepney drivers. They are part of the Social Development Program of the Davao Bus Project. The program gives them new jobs, proper training, and a chance to continue serving the city while earning stable income.

This move shows that the city values its transport workers. It addresses both the need for better transport and the livelihood of drivers who were affected by changes in the transport sector.

With their training complete, these bus captains are ready to take on their new role. They will help ensure safety, order, and a good riding experience for commuters.

The First Day of Operations

The excitement around the DC Bus grew even stronger on December 5, the first day the buses opened for public use. Residents from Toril were among the first to ride during the inaugural trip. Other routes also began running on the same day.

Photos and posts from local residents show long lines, but they also show happy faces. Many commuters were eager to try the new buses because of their clean interiors and cool air-conditioning. The new buses offer a calmer and smoother ride compared to older options.

Commuters can board only at designated bus stops, which helps keep roads safer and reduces traffic issues caused by random loading and unloading. This is an important part of building a modern and organized transport system.

What the DC Bus Means for the City

The launch of the DC Bus marks a big change for Davao City. Here’s what it means for many Dabawenyos:

1. More Comfortable Rides

The buses are modern and offer a clean, cool, and calm space for travel.

2. Safer Trips

With trained bus captains and set bus stops, the system offers safer movement across the city.

3. Better Traffic Flow

Orderly loading and unloading can help reduce road chaos.

4. Support for Local Drivers

Former jeepney drivers now have more stable jobs and better benefits.

5. Savings for Commuters

The free rides during peak hours help ease the daily cost of transport.

A Step Toward the Future

The DC Bus is just the start. It is part of a bigger vision for a modern transport system in Davao City. With proper planning and strong support from the community, more improvements will follow.

For now, Dabawenyos can enjoy the new service and feel proud of what the city has achieved. The DC Bus shows what can happen when the government, workers, and the community come together.

A better, safer, and more comfortable ride is now within reach.

*images courtesy of Davao City Local Government and Davao City Bus Project