Love Bus Rolls Again: A Nostalgic, Family-Friendly Ride Returns for Today’s Commuters
The beloved Love Bus is back, offering a safer and more inclusive way for families, students, seniors, and PWDs to get around the metro.
For Filipino families who grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, the Love Bus is more than just public transportation—it’s a cultural icon. And now, it’s back on the road with a modern twist.
On September 13, coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 68th birthday, the iconic Love Bus was relaunched in Valenzuela City. Now electric and family-friendly, the bus aims to ease commuting for students, workers, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Free Rides and Big Discounts
According to the President, the Love Bus will be free for all commuters during peak hours (6 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM), with special privileges for PWDs and seniors. A 50% student discount will also be implemented soon.
“Itong Love Bus na ito malaking tulong ito sa pagbawas ng polusyon, sa paggastos ng krudo. Malaking tulong din ito sa mga PWD at senior citizens. Malapit na ilalabas ‘yung para sa estudyante na 50% discount.”
President Marcos was joined by First Lady Liza Marcos and their son Simon for a ride during the initial run of the revamped buses.
Before the Metro Manila launch, the Love Bus underwent pilot testing in Cebu and Davao, where it will continue to operate.
How to Ride the New Love Bus
Riding the Love Bus is simple: all commuters have to do is download the official app available on iOS and Android. Commuters can check routes, schedules, and track buses in real-time through the app.
Designed with accessibility in mind, the electric buses are environmentally friendly and equipped with features like:
- Digital displays for routes and stops
- A foldable ramp for PWDs
- Space for four wheelchairs
- Comfortable seating
- Air conditioning
An Alternative Ride for Families, Seniors, and PWDs
The Love Bus is part of the government’s effort to ease transportation woes in the metro, offering a modern alternative to the MRT, LRT, and point-to-point (P2P) buses.
For seniors and PWDs who often struggle with stairs or long elevator lines in rail stations, the Love Bus provides a safer, more dignified way to commute.
Families with young children, strollers, or special mobility needs will also appreciate the bus’s flat boarding and user-friendly features—making school drop-offs or weekend errands easier and more comfortable.
A Ride Through Time: The Legacy of the Love Bus
Originally launched in the 1970s as part of then-First Lady Imelda Marcos’s projects, the Love Bus was Metro Manila’s first air-conditioned city bus. It featured a distinct blue design, scheduled departures, and a metal monocoque body that made it both iconic and functional.
Today, the Love Bus returns as a fully electric vehicle—reimagined for sustainability and inclusivity, but still carrying the same sense of joy and community.
For many parents who once rode the Love Bus themselves, seeing it back on the road brings a mix of nostalgia and hope. Now, their children—and perhaps even grandchildren—can enjoy the ride, too.
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