By Sam Ramos
The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) is preparing for an expected surge of 50,000 to 70,000 passengers during the holiday season, as travelers return home for Christmas.
DCOTT manager Aissa Usop announced on Friday that the terminal has coordinated with the Southern Mindanao Bus Operators’ Association to ensure additional buses are available to accommodate the increased demand. The association has also secured special permits from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Davao Region (LTFRB-11).
“Additional buses will be deployed to manage the anticipated increase in passengers, and LTFRB-11 has set up a desk at the terminal to process permits for buses without special authorization quickly,” Usop said in a statement.
Since December 13, daily bus departures have risen significantly, from the usual 700–800 trips to about 1,000–1,500 trips per day. To accommodate the heavy flow of travelers, buses are now permitted to depart as soon as they reach full capacity, instead of the usual 30-minute intervals between trips.
Usop encouraged passengers to book their tickets in advance through online platforms to avoid delays and ensure a smoother journey. The measures are part of efforts to manage the holiday rush efficiently while ensuring the safety and convenience of travelers.