The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) is confidently on course to not only meet but exceed its annual revenue target for 2025, fueled by a significant surge in passenger volume during the peak Christmas travel season.
Strong Financial Performance Nearing Year-End
As of November 2025, the terminal has already generated close to P48 million in total income, putting it within striking distance of its full-year goal of P50 million. Terminal management expresses high optimism that December's traditional travel rush will push collections over the top. DCOTT Manager Aisa Usop made this positive projection during the Habi at Kape Media Forum on December 17.
"I am pretty sure that we will reach that— in fact, even exceed it," Usop stated, attributing her confidence to the sustained influx of travelers during the holiday period.
Building on a Record-Breaking 2024
The current year's performance builds upon an exceptionally strong financial showing in 2024. Usop reported that DCOTT's income for the previous year reached P52,763,980, which was substantially higher than the original P38 million target set for that period. The agency had already hit P48 million by November of this year, showcasing consistent growth.
This revenue growth is directly linked to massive passenger numbers during peak travel months. In November, the terminal initially aimed for 1,500 bus trips per day on peak days but frequently saw daily trips exceed that figure. This high level of activity translates to an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 passengers daily, solidifying DCOTT's role as a primary transport gateway in Mindanao.
Preparations for Peak Holiday Traffic
With the Christmas season underway, DCOTT management is actively preparing for another wave of heavy passenger flow. Key to maintaining order is the strict enforcement and even expansion of the terminal's "no pick-up" policy. This rule prohibits buses from loading passengers outside of designated areas within the terminal.
Usop emphasized that this policy is critical for ensuring several key operational aspects:
- Efficient traffic flow around the terminal complex.
- Enhanced safety for the thousands of daily passengers.
- Smooth and orderly terminal operations amid the holiday rush.
The combination of strategic management, consistent policy implementation, and the natural surge in holiday travel positions DCOTT to successfully conclude 2025 on a high financial note, surpassing its set objectives.
