Back in the 1970s, the Love Bus was extremely popular, being the first air-conditioned bus service in the country. Launched by former First Lady Imelda Marcos, it was a symbol of urban progress.
Today, the iconic Love Bus is back, ready to ply the streets of Metro Manila and other cities once again. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself led the official launching of the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” Program. As part of this initiative, the bus is offering free rides for everyone for the entire month of September!
Iconic “Love Bus” of the 70s Makes a Comeback
On July 28, 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. first announced the revival of the Love Bus during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). In the same month, pilot runs were already being held in the cities of Cebu and Davao.
Pilot Implementation
In Cebu City, the pilot implementation of the Love Bus initially covered the Urgello – Parkmall route, where more than 20,000 commuters go through everyday. Eventually, the Talisay City/Anjo World – Cebu City Route was also covered, with 11 Love Buses benefiting thousands of commuters, operators, and drivers.
Meanwhile, in Davao City, the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” Program benefited more than 3,300 commuters and 21 operators and drivers, with eight Love Buses traversing the UM Matina-Mintal route daily. In both cities, the Love Bus offered free rides during peak hours, from 6:00 am to 9:00 am, and from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Official Launching
On September 13, 2025, the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” Program was officially launched. Coinciding with the 68th birthday of President Marcos, the event was held at the Valenzuela Gateway Complex. According to a press release from the Presidential Communications Office, the President, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, and their son Joseph Simon arrived at the venue on a Love Bus.
Notably, the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” Program is implemented in Metro Manila and other cities by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in partnership with Global Electric Transport.
About the New Love Bus
The Love Bus is a modern revival of its 70s namesake. A 100-percent electric vehicle, it is smart, clean, sustainable, and promotes “green mobility.” Each bus has a 20-person seating capacity and 10-person standing capacity, plus four wheelchairs, access ramps, and other features that make it accessible for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Currently, there are 20 Love Buses deployed across Metro Manila, with buses assigned to these routes: Valenzuela Gate Complex (VGC) – DSWD, Batasan Hills Loop, and VGC Terminal – Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). For each route, around 600 persons are expected to benefit daily from the free rides.
Just like in Cebu City and Davao City, the Love Buses in Metro Manila offer free rides during peak hours, between 6:00 am and 9:00 am, and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This September, the rides are free for all commuters. Starting next month, the rides will still be free for senior citizens and PWDs, provided that they have registered through the Love Bus mobile app.
Love Bus Mobile App
To complement the transport services offered by the Love Bus, the Love Bus mobile app has also been released. It is now available for download on Google Play Store. Commuters must download this app and register to be able to ride the Love Bus.
Interestingly, the Love Bus mobile app includes:
- Seamless QR Boarding. With just a single scan of their personal QR codes, commuters can easily board the Love Bus.
- PWD-Friendly Features. The app detects PWD discounts automatically, ensuring a fair and convenient travel for PWDs.
- Real-Time Tracking. Using this app, commuters can monitor buses in real-time, making it possible to estimate the time of their arrival along every route.
Video: News Report on the Love Bus
To learn more about the latest, modern Love Bus, watch this DZMM news report, where Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez talks about the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” Program and how it benefits commuters of all ages:
Enhancing Public Transport for All
“Itong Love Bus na ito malaking tulong ito sa pagbawas ng polusyon, sa paggastos ng krudo (The Love Bus is a huge help in reducing pollution, and minimizing crude oil costs),” President Marcos stated during the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” Program launch, as reported by the DOTr Facebook page.
“Malaking tulong din ito sa mga PWD at senior citizens. Malapit na ilalabas ‘yung para sa estudyante na 50% discount (This is also a big help to PWDs and senior citizens. Soon, there will also be a 50-percent discount for students),” the President declared.
For his part, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez mentioned that the DOTr will further expand the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” Program to different urban areas across the country.
“Gaya nga ng sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos, dapat paginhawain natin ang araw-araw na biyahe ng ating mga komyuter (As President Marcos said, we must enhance the everyday experience of our commuters),” Lopez explained. “Palalawigin pa natin itong Love Bus libreng sakay sa iba’t-ibang lugar sa bansa (We will expand the Love Bus Libreng Sakay program to other parts of the country).”
Meanwhile, for Elizabeth, a PWD, the Love Bus is truly convenient since she can ride comfortably, without having to “rush” with other commuters in crowded buses and jeepneys.
“Napakalaking tulong sa amin na may kapansanan kasi ilang beses po nangyari sakin yung nabalewala ako [at] yung hindi ako napasakay, nabalya ako, meron pong dinaanan lang po ako kaya malaking bagay po ito para sa amin (This is a big help for us PWDs because many times, I have experienced being ignored, hurt, or refused by other public vehicles. So this is really a big help for us).”
The Love Bus could not have come at a better time! Indeed, we need a public transport vehicle that caters to senior citizens and PWDs. With the Love Bus operating across Metro Manila and other cities, everyone can look forward to riding a safe, affordable, comfortable, and accessible public transport.
For the rest of September, the Love Bus is offering free rides; be sure to catch a ride if you can! And speaking of “free,” are you a motorcycle rider who wants to improve your skills? Check out this article to know more about free courses on road safety offered by the MMDA’s “Motorcycle Riding Academy.”