Loan agreement ceremony for Davao Public Transportation Modernization Project (Photo from VP Sara Duterte official FB page).
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved last June 29 a $1 billion loan to finance an eco-friendly public transportation project of Davao City.
This city-wide project will help the country’s aim in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“The project is set to transform the quality of Davao City’s public transport and support the city’s rapid economic growth with a low-carbon and climate-resilient bus system,” said Shuji Kimura, ADB Senior Transport Specialist for Southeast Asia.
The Davao Public Transport Modernization Project is expected to serve 800,000 passengers a day and will include construction of 1,000 bus stops, five bus depots, and three bus terminals.
It will also use a modern fleet of 1,100 electric and Euro 5-standard diesel-fueled buses that is expected to reduce 60% of annual greenhouse gas emissions of public transport in Davao City.
“Not only will this support the Philippines’ climate goals, but it will help to improve the lives of vulnerable populations especially women and the young who use public transport daily,” Kimura added.
ADB has been helping Davao City to plan for a new bus system since 2015. Gian Rowelle Erenia