‘LOVE BUS’ RETURNS TO METRO MANILA; OFFERS FREE, COMMUTER-FRIENDLY RIDES

THE “Love Bus” project has returned to Metro Manila offering free and commuter-friendly rides to the public.

In a press briefing at the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, India on Friday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has revived the “Love Bus” project, one of the major transportation initiatives introduced in the 1970s by her mother-in-law, former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, offering free rides to the public.

According to Castro, the First Lady, together with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Don Artes and Metro Manila mayors, led the launch of the Metro Manila Love Bus on Wednesday.

“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.

Castro said the new Love Bus now uses modern, zero-emission electric buses that can accommodate up to 36 passengers each.

Castro emphasized that the Metro Manila Love Bus began operations on Thursday, with trips running from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and that passengers can ride the buses for free.

“Libre po ito. Ibig sabihin, walang babayaran ang mga pasahero dito,” she said.

The Love Bus operates between Robinsons Galleria and Eastwood City, passing through the MMDA headquarters, Arcovia City, C-5, and Bridgetowne/Opus Mall on its eastbound route.

The return trip from Eastwood City passes through C-5 and J. Vargas Avenue before heading back to Robinsons Galleria.

Castro said the initiative is part of the First Couple’s continuing efforts to provide Metro Manila commuters with more convenient transportation.

“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.