The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has officially brought back the iconic “Love Bus,” deploying fully electric, zero-emission units to offer free, comfortable rides to Metro Manila commuters.
First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos and MMDA Chairman Don Artes led the formal inauguration of the fleet on Wednesday, alongside several Metro Manila mayors.
Starting September 10, the new electric bus service will run daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It will ply a designated loop servicing key business hubs along the C5 corridor, connecting Robinsons Galleria, the MMDA head office, Arcovia City, C5-Bridgetowne, and Eastwood in Quezon City before making the return trip.
MMDA Chairman Artes highlighted that the service focuses specifically on transit deserts where commuter options remain extremely limited.
“Kung nakikita niyo kasi, walang pampublikong transportasyon diyan. ‘Yung mga pasahero pong nanggagaling diyan sa mga rutang yan naghihintay pa po ng mga UV Express na galing Rizal, Antipolo, QC na malalayo hoping na may mga pasaherong bumaba doon para sila makasakay,” Artes explained. (As you can see, there is no public transportation in those areas. Commuters waiting along those routes have to rely on long-distance UV Express vehicles coming from distant points in Rizal, Antipolo, and Quezon City, hoping some passengers disembark so they can get a seat.)
Each eco-friendly bus has a capacity of up to 36 passengers. To enhance passenger convenience, dedicated waiting sheds have been set up at designated stops along the route.
The initial launch was made possible through donations of six electric buses from private companies and local government units. The MMDA is currently procuring additional vehicles to double its fleet to 12 units, paving the way for expanded routes across Metro Manila.
First introduced in the 1970s under the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the original Love Bus became famous as the country’s first air-conditioned public bus service.
“Gusto po naming ihatid ‘yung serbisyo ng Love Bus before and this time in-improve pa po natin dahil this time libre ‘yung bus natin and aircon, fully electric so environmentally friendly and convenient po,” Artes said. (We want to deliver the same service the Love Bus provided in the past, but upgraded this time because it is completely free, air-conditioned, fully electric, environmentally friendly, and convenient.)
Along with the transportation launch, the MMDA inaugurated its new annex building, housing expanded workspaces, a function hall, mess hall, multipurpose court and modern offices for the Traffic and Transport Management Department.
The agency also opened its new Interactive Gallery, an educational facility showcasing the agency’s history, mandate, and programs through dioramas, simulated traffic scenarios, solid waste management demonstrations and displays of official emergency rescue equipment.