DAVAO CITY — Mindanaoans now have improved access to long-distance land travel as the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) officially opened the Davao–Zamboanga bus route, the longest overland route in the island, with travel time ranging from 18 to 24 hours.
The route began operations on December 10, following the approval of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Two daily trips depart from Davao City at 10 p.m. and 12 midnight, while trips from Zamboanga City leave at 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.
DCOTT Terminal Manager Aissa Usop said the new route is a major convenience for commuters who previously had to pass through Cagayan de Oro and Pagadian to reach Zamboanga. The new direct route passes through Digos, Kidapawan, Kabacan, Midsayap, Cotabato, Pagadian, Buug, Imelda, Ipil, and finally Zamboanga City.
The fare is also more affordable, with passengers paying P1,500, or P1,200 for those availing of Special Permit (SP) rates.
“That is a good help sa mga commuters natin, considering that ang mga pasahero natin from Davao City going to Zamboanga before is dadaan lang sila Davao City to Cagayan de Oro City and they have to transfer from CDO to Pagadian and Pagadian to Zamboanga, although may byahe naman from CDO to Zamboanga pero iilan lang din yon,” she said.
“This route will greatly help our commuters, especially those who regularly travel for work, family, or business,” Usop said during a Wednesday media forum.
With Christmas and New Year approaching, DCOTT is also preparing for a significant increase in passenger volume. On regular days, the terminal handles 700 to 800 bus trips, equivalent to 35,000 to 50,000 passengers. This holiday season, the number is expected to rise to over 1,500 bus trips and more than 80,000 passengers daily.
Usop noted that passenger numbers dipped last month due to calamities, including the damaged bridge along the Buda route, but are expected to rebound this December.
To ensure smooth operations, DCOTT has coordinated with LTFRB to establish a permanent desk inside the terminal to assist bus operators applying for Special Permits.
Security has also been heightened. DCOTT is working closely with Task Force Davao, the Public Safety and Security Command Center, and additional Civil Security Units (CSU). The terminal is equipped with baggage x-ray scanners, walk-through machines, and 24-hour K9 handlers.
Usop encouraged commuters to follow city ordinances and terminal guidelines to maintain order and safety.
“We have to work hard to maintain the peace and order not only in our terminal but the Davao City. We have to prove nga kita (that we) Dabawenyos, disiplinado (are disiplined),” she said. (PIA)
