The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) is bracing for a significant increase in passenger traffic, expecting between 50,000 to 70,000 travelers during the holiday season. DCOTT manager Aissa Usop announced on Friday that preparations are in full swing to accommodate the surge. Since December 13, the terminal has seen a notable rise in the number of passengers heading home for Christmas, with daily bus departures increasing from the typical 700-800 to around 1,000 to 1,500.
To manage the increased demand, DCOTT has worked closely with the Southern Mindanao Bus Operators’ Association to secure additional buses. The association has sought special permits from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Davao Region (LTFRB-11) to facilitate this. Usop mentioned that a special desk has been set up at the terminal by LTFRB-11 to expedite the process of obtaining these permits for buses without them.
During the peak season, buses are allowed to depart as soon as they are full, rather than adhering to the usual 30-minute interval. Usop emphasized the importance of passengers booking their tickets in advance through online platforms to ensure a smooth travel experience during the busy holiday period.