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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider PBBM's promise fulfilled: DOTr revives Love Bus in Cebu, Davao

PBBM's promise fulfilled: DOTr revives Love Bus in Cebu, Davao

Published Aug 22, 2025 03:47 pm
(DOTr photo)
(DOTr photo)
The iconic Love Bus during the Martial Law era is officially back on the streets with the launch of a “libreng sakay” (free ride) program in Cebu City and Davao City, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon launched the program in the two cities on Friday, Aug. 22, nearly four weeks after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced its revival during his State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“The President wanted to revive Love Bus and make it better. It’s now free,” said Dizon.
“The President said we must do it for the entire country and it is symbolic that we are launching it in Visayas and Mindanao,” he added.
During his SONA, Marcos announced that the government will relaunch the Love Bus, which was implemented during the time of his father, strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
The Love Bus, known for its blue color scheme and heart symbols, was originally launched in the 1970s and was recognized as the country’s first air-conditioned public bus transport system.
Dizon said reviving the program for the current Marcos Jr. administration is “worth it” as it eases the daily struggle in commuting, directly benefitting benefits thousands of passengers.
"Nakausap namin mga pasahero, sabi nila bago gawing libre ₱30 pamasahe nila one-way so ₱60 for the day. Malaking bagay ito for our workers, students," he said.
(We talked to passengers, they said before it became free their fare was ₱30 one-way, so ₱60 for the day. This is a big help for our workers, students.)
Dizon earlier said that the DOTr will tap bus and modern public utility vehicle (PUV) operators to operate the buses and vehicles under the Love Bus program.
In Cebu City, the agency has already piloted a similar initiative under the service contracting program (SCP) on the Urgello-Parkmall route, where 20,000 passengers benefit daily.
With the Love Bus rebranding, 44 operators and drivers will benefit daily from the trips of 11 Love Buses on the route of Talisay City/Anjo World to Cebu City and vice versa.
The free rides on the Love Buses in the city will run from 6 to 9 a.m. in the morning and from 5 to 8 p.m. in the evening. This is expected to accommodate over 2,600 commuters.

Related Tags

Love Bus Department of Transportation (DOTr) Vince Dizon Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
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