PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. marked his 68th birthday on Saturday with the launch of the iconic Love Bus—revived as a modern, electric fleet offering free rides to commuters in Metro Manila.
The President led the program at the Valenzuela Gateway Complex in Valenzuela City, arriving aboard one of the new units alongside First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their son, Joseph Simon.
In his speech, Marcos urged the public to maximize the free service, which runs until Sept. 30.
“We encourage everyone to take advantage of our new Love Bus to help reduce transportation costs, save a little, reduce traffic, and cut down on pollution since these buses are electric,” he said.
He noted that the initiative aims to ease commuters’ daily struggles.
“This is a big help, considering our situation in Metro Manila. Sometimes, it takes a long time to wait for the bus to arrive. The traffic is heavy, and movement is slow. We’re exposed to the exhaust of the buses. All of this will be alleviated through this initiative,” Marcos added.
The fleet consists of 20 electric buses operating daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Each unit can seat 20 passengers, accommodate 10 standing commuters, and has designated space for four wheelchairs, with ramps and other accessibility features.
Under the scheme, persons with disabilities and senior citizens can ride for free at all times, while other passengers may avail of free rides during peak hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
To use the service, commuters must download and register through the Love Bus mobile app, now available on Android and expected on iOS next week, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
The project is implemented in partnership with the Department of Transportation and Global Electric Transport, following pilot runs in Cebu and Davao in July.
Marcos first revealed plans to revive the Love Bus in his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28. The service was originally launched in the 1970s under then First Lady Imelda Marcos as the country’s first air-conditioned bus system, offering a modern alternative to jeepneys and regular buses.
