First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has spearheaded the revival of the iconic “Love Bus,” bringing back a flagship urban transit initiative first introduced in the 1970s by former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, this time as a zero-emission, free public shuttle service for Metro Manila commuters.
Speaking at a press conference at the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, India on Friday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the First Lady launched the Metro Manila Love Bus on Wednesday alongside Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes and Metro Manila local executives.
“Bilang bahagi ng patuloy na hakbang ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na mapabuti ang biyahe sa Metro Manila at makapagbigay ng mas maayos at commuter-friendly na biyahe, muling nagbabalik ang Love Bus Project sa Metro Manila na unang ipinakilala noong dekada ’70 sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni dating Pangulong Marcos Sr. at isa sa mga pangunahing proyekto ni dating First Lady Imelda Marcos,” Castro said.
The modernized fleet features fully electric buses with a 36-passenger capacity per vehicle.
Castro announced that the fleet officially rolled out on Thursday, operating daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. without charging fare to commuters.
“Libre po ito. Ibig sabihin, walang babayaran ang mga pasahero dito,” she emphasized.
The initial route establishes a loop connecting Robinsons Galleria and Eastwood City. On its eastbound leg, the shuttle stops near the MMDA headquarters, Arcovia City, C-5, and Bridgetowne/Opus Mall, while the return trip from Eastwood passes via C-5 and J. Vargas Avenue back to Robinsons Galleria.
Castro highlighted that the project reflects ongoing efforts by the administration to ease daily commuting challenges in the capital.
“Muli, nais po nating bigyang-diin na si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at First Lady Liza Marcos ay hindi matatapos sa pagbibigay ginhawa sa ating mga commuters,” the Palace official said.