By Brian Campued
The nostalgia is strong in the air as the iconic “Love Bus” from the 1970s is finally revived and now plies the roads in the “king” and “queen” cities of the south.
This as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), along with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM), launched the bus service in Metro Cebu and Davao City, under the Service Contracting Program (SCP) on Friday.
The initiative aims to provide Filipinos with convenient, safe, and free public transport options, in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to reintroduce the memorable Love Bus while helping ease commuters’ financial burden.
“As you know the Love Bus was started in the late ‘70s and ‘80s in Metro Manila, but the President wanted to revive it [and] make it even better… It’s now free,” DOTr Sec. Vince Dizon said during the launch in Cebu City.
“The President said we must do it for the entire country, and it is symbolic that we are launching it in Visayas and Mindanao. The program is worth it because it is a direct benefit for the passengers,” he added.
Dizon noted that around 2,462 commuters daily as well as 44 operators and drivers are expected to benefit from the 11 Love Bus units that will traverse Talisay City/Anjo World–Cebu City, vice versa.
This marks the second route introduced in Metro Cebu, following the Urgello–Parkmall route—which benefited almost 650,000 passengers since its launch in July.
DOT Sec. Christina Frasco stressed that while Love Buses will prioritize local residents, tourists may also benefit from the free ride service. Each bus also features images of Cebu’s top attractions and destinations to promote local tourism.
“It’s an excellent way to showcase our destinations wherever the bus travels. Here in Cebu, we’re highlighting our stunning beaches, dive sites, and festivals. In other cities, we’ll tailor our promotions to feature local attractions, ensuring inclusivity for everyone, including PWDs, seniors, women, and children. This initiative is incredibly beneficial for our community and tourists alike,” Frasco said.
Meanwhile, eight Love Bus units will ply the UM (University of Mindanao) Matina–Mintal route in Davao City, expected to carry 3,360 passengers daily and help 32 operators and drivers under the SCP.
The Love Bus Libreng Sakay Program provides free rides during peak hours—6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. It will also be free all day on weekends and holidays, according to Dizon.
Underscoring the Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to accessible and convenient urban mobility, DBM Sec. Amenah Pangandaman confirmed that P1.3 billion has been earmarked for 2026 to ensure the sustainability of the Love Bus program.
“This is made possible through the Service Contracting Program, a model where government directly supports operators and drivers, while providing free transport to our kababayans. Multi-layered po ito; libreng sakay, PWD and senior citizen-friendly, at sustainable na hanapbuhay, para mapagtibay ang ating transport system,” Pangandaman said.
“We are making public transport efficient, creating a commuter culture, and showing that every peso of the people’s budget can truly work for everyone,” the Budget chief added. (with report from JC Aliponga / PTV News)
-jpv
