The implementation of the High Priority Bus System (HPBS), seen as a solution to the shortage of jeepneys and the traffic problem in Davao City, has been delayed for eight months, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“As far as the monitoring and evaluation of the project, the project has experienced delay already, which is why we are also catching up with the implementation plans,” Davao Public Transport Modernization Project OIC Manager, Engr. Nestor Kilian Tabada, said.

DOTr said the restudy of some components, including the size of terminals and entitlement package for drivers, are among the causes of the delay.

Partial operations of HPBS may start in the last quarter of 2026.

“We are catching up the timelines and we are confident that by 2026 we’ll see some routes serving already,” Tabada said.

The delay has reportedly affected the riding public as several PUJs have since stopped plying the streets. It has also reportedly affected the repair of the traffic signalization system, as well as putting in place the provincial buses in the north and south areas.

“Ang City Government of Davao, wala sa nato na gi-fix o gi-enhance ang atong traffic signalization system karon because sabay na siya didto sa project sa HPBS. Didto na siya mag-agad ba,” Davao City Councilor Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III said.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte said earlier that the implementation of HPBS has been delayed because the national government did not allocate funds for the project.

“Ang HPBS, wala na na gibudgetan sa Congress,” Duterte said.

The budget for HPBS is sourced from a bank loan and from the national and local governments.