Davao Bus Driver Training and Technology Study

Davao City is pioneering the first road-based mass transport modernisation project in the Philippines. The Davao Bus Driver Training and Technology Study, which has been implemented by Ramboll, is a Pilot Preparation and Implementation Support project supported by the ASEAN Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund (AASCTF).

This project studied bus drivers’ needs and conducted a market analysis of training technologies. It is helping prepare future drivers, including former jeepney drivers, to meet the standards and safety of the new public bus system. It will also allow the city to train drivers at scale.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $1 billion loan to support the Davao Public Transport Modernisation Project. This project will establish a public bus transport system with modern electric buses and Euro-5 standard diesel buses using standardised operations and reliable timetables backed by an intelligent transport system and an automatic fare collection system. It will also see the construction of bus stops, depots and terminals, and a bus driving school.

Currently, public transport – such as public utility jeepneys and modified vans – accounts for 80 percent of trips in Davao City. However, these transport modes are typically not safe and user-friendly, contribute to air pollution, and are not optimised in terms of routes, therefore adding to congestion and lost productivity.

The modernisation project aims to improve the lives of all Davaoeños, especially the vulnerable and marginalised, through better mobility. It will also include a social development program for the jeepney drivers and operators that will be affected by the shift to modern buses.

Aside from the infrastructure and systems, having a quality transport service will rely on drivers’ skills. Ramboll worked with the AASCTF and the City Government of Davao on the project, focusing on how drivers could be trained at scale.

Multiple workshops and meetings were conducted with various stakeholders, including former jeepney drivers and operators. This was to understand their needs and experiences; identify baseline competencies and special considerations, such as assisting people with disabilities and emergency response; and discuss the core themes and functional requirements for the training framework.

A desktop study of 30 vendors was also prepared to determine the appropriate technologies for the training. The functional and detailed requirements developed were matched against these vendors to shortlist the technology providers.

In early 2023, a successful demonstration was held of the potential technologies that could be used for training the bus drivers. This consisted of a driving simulator with different driving scenarios, a Virtual Reality headset to replicate real-life pre-trip assessments, and a digital learning component for additional lessons. Feedback from this and succeeding discussions informed the final training framework. This will guide not only the modules that could be developed for a comprehensive training program, but also the regulatory requirement needed for implementing the training and receiving certification.

The project contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 1 No poverty, 10 Reduce inequalities, 11 Sustainable cities and communities, and 13 Climate action.

The AASCTF assists ASEAN cities in enhancing their planning systems, service delivery, and financial management by developing and testing appropriate digital urban solutions and systems. By working with cities, AASCTF facilitates their transformation to become more liveable, resilient, and inclusive, while in the process identifying scalable best and next practices to be replicated across cities in Asia and the Pacific. The Trust Fund is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, managed by the Asian Development Bank, and implemented by Ramboll.