DAVAO CITY — The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal is now gearing up for the expected influx of passengers come the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in the country.
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, adding that the 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, the DCOTT recorded revenues of up to P39 million, significantly higher than the P34 million recorded last year for the same period.
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,” Usop said.
A series of coordinating meetings was 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.