Iconic Love Bus Returns

The Love Bus—the blue public utility bus with heart designs that became Metro Manila’s first air-conditioned commuter service in the 1970s and 1980s—has officially returned to Philippine roads.

Pilot Love Bus routes include University of Mindanao in Matina to Mintal in Davao, serving about 3,360 daily passengers, and Parkmall in Mandaue City to Urgello in Cebu City, as well as Talisay to Cebu City via SRP. (Photo: Department of Transportation Philippines Facebook)

The revival stems from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s announcement during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, when he said: “Magtatanong ako sa iba sa inyo, naaalala pa ba ninyo ‘yung tinatawag nating ‘Love Bus’? Ito ‘yung popular na pampublikong bus sa Metro Manila na sinimulan noong 1970s. Ngayon, hindi lang natin ibabalik ang Love Bus, gagawin pa natin itong libre.”

The first rollout was held in July in Davao City and Cebu City under the government’s Libreng Sakay program, followed by a ceremonial launch on August 22 led by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

The original Love Bus project, launched in 1976 by the Metropolitan Manila Transit Corporation under then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., carried more than 5.3 million passengers within its first year.

At its peak in 1984, the system operated 28 routes, including one connecting Metro Manila and Rizal. It was discontinued in the 1990s due to financial issues.

“This revival under President Marcos Jr. aims to provide Filipinos with free, safe, and convenient rides while reintroducing the service quality that made the Love Bus memorable,” Dizon said.

Pilot routes include University of Mindanao in Matina to Mintal in Davao, serving about 3,360 daily passengers, and Parkmall in Mandaue City to Urgello in Cebu City, as well as Talisay to Cebu City via SRP, benefitting at least 20,000 passengers.

The rides are free on weekdays during peak hours and all day on weekends and holidays.

Tourism Secretary Frasco said the program also supports Cebu’s tourism and economic activities, adding that the buses are inclusive for persons with disabilities, seniors, women, and children.

According to Dizon, the program will receive continuous funding through 2028. Around ₱125 million is allocated annually for Cebu operations, while ₱1.3 billion is set aside in the proposed 2026 national budget.