The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Davao Region (LTFRB-11) has developed a Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) to bolster connectivity in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) in Davao del Norte.

LTFRB-11 Regional Director Nonito Llanos III said Wednesday the plan has already passed the criteria for public transport planning in the island city.

“Four new developmental routes are now materialized including the Poblacion Babak-Poblacion Katipunan via Babak-Samal-Kaputian Road; Poblacion Babak-Kinawitnon via Circumferential Road [Loop]; Talicud Island Circumferential Road (Loop); and the Peñaplata – Poblacion Kaputian via Cawag-Adecor,” Llanos said.

The LPTRP Notice of Compliance (NOC) was presented to the island city through Mayor Al David Uy and Vice Mayor Richard Guindolman on June 6.

Meanwhile, LTFRB Chairperson Martin Delgra III said the streamlined route for IGACOS was only fitting for a “primary tourist destination in Davao Region.”

“It beckons and obligates us to make our land public transport to be environment friendly as well as being able to address the mobility of people,” Delgra said.

Llanos said an initial of 15 modernized units will be authorized to traverse the four newly-developed routes.

Situated only two kilometers away from this city, the IGACOS can be reached via a ferry ride. (PNA)