The Department of Transportation announced on Sunday that it would expand the Love Bus free ride program to other urban areas nationwide, following its rollout in Metro Manila on September 13, coinciding with the 68th birthday anniversary of President Marcos Jr.
“As the President said, we must ease the daily commute of our people. We will extend the Love Bus free rides to more areas across the country,” Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said in a statement on September 14.
First launched in the 1970s, the Love Bus made its official comeback on Saturday, September 13, coinciding with President Marcos’ 68th birthday, offering free, electric-powered rides to commuters.
Initially, five electric buses will serve the routes Valenzuela Gate Complex (VGC) Terminal–DSWD, Batasan Hills Loop, and VGC Terminal–Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
Each route is expected to serve 600 passengers daily.
For the NCR Love Bus, all passengers will enjoy free rides throughout September, Lopez said.
By October, free rides will continue for PWDs and senior citizens all day, provided they are registered on the Love Bus App. For other passengers in October, free rides will be available during peak hours, from 6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 8 pm.
Meanwhile, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for reviving the iconic Love Bus and sustaining the Libreng Sakay program in Metro Manila, saying these initiatives highlight the government’s commitment to commuter welfare.
Guadiz also highlighted the importance of the Libreng Sakay program, particularly along the EDSA Carousel route, where millions of commuters continue to benefit from free rides amid high fuel prices and the rising cost of living.
“The Libreng Sakay is more than a subsidy; it is a lifeline for workers, students, and ordinary citizens who rely on public transport every day,” the LTFRB chairperson said.
Both the Love Bus and Libreng Sakay complement the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), which aims to create a safer, more sustainable, and commuter-friendly transport system.
“Transport reform is not only about modernizing vehicles, but also about giving Filipinos hope and relief,” Guadiz said.
