Davao City's Main Transport Terminal to Remain Operational for Years Amid New Hub Construction
The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (Dcott) will continue serving passengers for the foreseeable future, as the development of three proposed replacement terminals is expected to take several years to complete, according to terminal officials.
Current Terminal to Bridge Gap During Construction Phase
Aisa Usop, Dcott manager, confirmed during the Davao Peace and Security Press Conference on March 25, 2026, that the existing terminal will remain active while land acquisition, construction, and staffing for the new facilities progress. "I think it may still take a few years, so our terminal will remain for now," Usop stated at the event held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
The city government previously approved plans to construct three new terminals strategically located to alleviate traffic congestion in downtown Davao. Once operational, these modern facilities will accommodate satellite van services and city buses designed to transport passengers efficiently to the city center.
Strategic Terminal Locations and Project Details
The three proposed terminals will serve specific regional routes:
- Bunawan Terminal: For passengers arriving from Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro
- Toril Terminal: For travelers from General Santos City, Cotabato, and Digos City
- Calinan Terminal: For those coming from Cagayan de Oro and surrounding areas
Construction is currently underway at the Calinan site, while government authorities continue land acquisition processes for the Bunawan and Toril locations. Usop noted that plans for the current Dcott site after the new terminals become operational have not yet been finalized.
Davao Bus Project: A Comprehensive Transport Overhaul
The terminal development forms a crucial component of the broader Davao Bus Project (DBP), which aims to replace the existing terminal system entirely. Under this ambitious plan:
- Provincial buses will no longer enter the city center directly
- Passengers will disembark at designated terminals
- Travelers will transfer to city buses for onward transportation to urban destinations
The DBP represents a significant infrastructure investment, co-financed by the Asian Development Bank, the national government, and the Davao City government, with an estimated total cost of approximately P20 billion. The project's primary objectives include reducing traffic congestion and modernizing public transportation systems throughout the region.
Revised Timeline and Implementation Challenges
Originally scheduled for partial rollout in late 2024 with full operations anticipated by 2025, the project timeline has experienced substantial adjustments. Authorities now plan to begin implementation in 2027, with full completion expected between 2028 and 2029.
The revised schedule accounts for several implementation challenges, including right-of-way acquisition issues and delays stemming from post-pandemic recovery efforts. Despite these setbacks, the comprehensive transport overhaul continues to move forward as a priority infrastructure development for Davao City's growing transportation needs.
