(Photo courtesy of the Philippine Information Agency)
Marcos mentioned that the new Love Bus would help commuters save on fares and also reduce road pollution, as it is electric.
"This is a significant aid for our situation in Metro Manila, where we sometimes have to wait a long time for the bus to arrive. The traffic is congested, and the speed is slow. We are bombarded with exhaust from the buses. All of that will be reduced. That's why we are delighted," the President explained.
The bus, which can accommodate 20 seated passengers, is designed to be senior citizen and PWD-friendly, featuring an access ramp for wheelchairs.
Throughout September, from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, the Love Bus will be free for all passengers. The routes covered are from the Valenzuela Gate Complex (VGC) Terminal to DSWD, Batasan Hills Loop, and VGC Terminal to Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
From October onwards, rides will only be free during rush hours, from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. However, PWDs and senior citizens can still ride for free at any time, as long as they register on the Love Bus mobile app.
Five buses will be operational every day. The bus routes can be viewed on the Love Bus mobile app.
Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that the Love Bus would also be launched in other urban areas across the country.
In August, the first Love Bus was launched in Cebu for the Visayas and Davao City for Mindanao.
