You can now ride a bus from PITX to Davao City, one-way fare at PHP 3,680!

On its Facebook account, Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) announced that a new bus route to Davao City opens.

Buses from Metro Manila to Davao City are now available (Photo from PITX)

A road trip for about three days and two nights

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said that starting June 15, passengers can ride straight from PITX to Davao City via bus with daily trips every 2:30 PM. On the other hand, the bus route from Davao City to PITX will begin on June 20.

Grand opening day of PITX to Davao route with government officials (Photo from PITX)

Others may want a faster way of going to Davao from Metro Manila. However, LTFRB Executive Director Tina Cassion explained that there are people who prefer to travel by riding the bus, especially those going home to their provinces. She added,

Yung meron kasing capability din ‘yung bus sa ilalim niya they can carry more than what is being carried doon sa mga airlines dahil mas mahal ‘yung ano [fee] daw ng mga airlines.

According to the bus terminal company, the estimated travel time may last three days and two nights for the 1,500-kilometer journey. For a one-way trip, you will have to pay PHP 3,680, including ferry rides or RoRo for inter-island travel.

Riding the bus also means that passengers will encounter multiple stops along the trip including: Turbina/Sto. Tomas/Laguna, Quirino Meal Place, Naga Terminal, Sorsogon/Matnog, Allen/Samar, Tacloban, Sogod/So. Leyte, Liloan, Surigao, Kitcharao, Butuan, San Francisco, Monkayo, and Tagum.

The operator of this particular route, Davao Metro Shuttle, generously offered 50 percent off on the original fare amount for those who rode the PITX to Davao City bus on its launch.

According to the source, the Davao Metro Shuttle provides 15 Volvo B8R bus units. These bus units are allegedly equipped with hydraulic self-leveling seats for riders' comfort. 

Meanwhile, the engine's emission is Euro 5. This is higher than the Department of Transportation's requirement which is Euro 4.

Inside, the bus units come with wide reclining leather seats with individual USB ports for charging as well as a rest room located at the rear of the bus.

As of June 15, the bus operators do not require RT-PCR tests for those traveling to Davao City by land, air, or sea from any point in the country. Also, commuters no longer need to present travel documents to enter the city.

For those who want to book their tickets, you can go to Ticket Booth 3 located on PITX Second Floor or text 09391351349.

Source: TopGear