DCOTT expects more passenger during Undas, election day

Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) is preparing for an influx of passengers this election day on October 30 as well as for All Saint’s Day (November 1) and All Soul’s Day (November 2).

DCOTT manager Aisa Usop said the terminal is expecting about 1,000 to 1,500 bus trips in the next two weeks to cater to an estimated 50,000 to 75,000 passengers. These numbers are far from the usual average of 700 to 800 bus trips a day delivering around 35,000 passengers.

Usop said an even greater influx of passengers is expected this Undas compared to last year as more national routes heading for Visayas and Luzon have been added to the DCOTT’s operations this year.

As of September, DCOTT recorded revenues of up to P39 million, significantly higher than the P34 million recorded last year for the same period. Usop said that with the current trend of activity in DCOTT, it is expected that revenues for this year will surpass the P44 million target.

In terms of security, additional security personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will be deployed to keep operations in the terminal orderly and ensure the safety of passengers.

A series of coordinating meetings were also held with the security sector, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, and the City Transport and Traffic Management Office to provide further security and safety augmentation.

Usop added that the terminal’s Security Plan has been audited by the Office for Transportation Security last week which she said greatly helped with security preparations for the upcoming holidays.

“Grabe ang atong pagpangandam sa atong DCOTT terminal when it comes to security implementation, when it comes to proper coordination with our bus operators, when it comes to proper coordination again with our men in uniform,” said Usop during the AFP-PNP Media Conference on Wednesday.

The DCOTT manager reminded passengers that the scheduled interval in between buses will be suspended– all buses, once full, will leave the terminal regardless of the scheduled waiting time.

Usop also urged the public to follow the city’s culture of security which encourages vigilance and caution in crowded places.

Sharp objects, endangered species of flora and fauna without proper documentation, unattended luggage and bags will be confiscated, she said. CIO