BUSES FOR point-to-point (P2P) routes here are expected to be delivered within the month and begin operations soon after, earlier than the previous October schedule. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran, chair of the city council committee on transportation and communications, announced over the weekend that the 45 bus units procured by the Department of Transportation “are already in Manila” and will be shipped to Davao City soon. The air-conditioned buses, each with a 50-passenger capacity, will be plying six routes that are considered “critical”, said Mr. Baluran. He added that the fare rates would be higher than those of public utility jeepneys, “but passengers (will be) more comfortable” in the modern vehicles. The city government and the Asian Development Bank have been working on a comprehensive public transport plan for the city, with a bus rapid transport system recommended as an initial solution to the city’s creeping traffic congestion problem. — Carmelito Q. Francisco
