The iconic Love Bus makes its comeback on the streets of Metro Manila. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. marked his 68th birthday on Saturday (Sept. 13, 2025) by leading the launch of the Love Bus free ride program at the Valenzuela Gateway Complex in Valenzuela City. (Photo from Malacañang Press Corps Pool)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. celebrated his 68th birthday on Saturday by launching the return of the iconic Love Bus—now powered by electricity—to provide free rides for commuters across Metro Manila. The ceremonial launch was held at the Valenzuela Gateway Complex in Valenzuela City.
In his speech, Marcos urged commuters to take advantage of the free rides until September 30, highlighting how the initiative could help ease the burden of long queues and heavy traffic.
“Tangkilikin po ninyo ang ating bagong Love Bus para makabawas pasahe, para makapag-savings nang kaunti, mabawasan ang traffic, mabawasan ang polusyon dahil nga electric,” Marcos said, emphasizing that the electric buses will lower commuting costs, help decongest roads, and reduce air pollution.
“This is a big help, considering our situation in Metro Manila. Sometimes, it takes a long time to wait for a bus to arrive. The traffic is heavy and movement is slow. We’re exposed to the exhaust of the buses. All of this will be alleviated through this initiative,” he added.
Marcos personally experienced the service by arriving at the venue aboard one of the new Love Bus units, accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their son, Joseph Simon.
The new fleet consists of 20 electric Love Buses. All persons with disabilities and senior citizens can ride for free at any time, while other commuters may avail of free rides during peak hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Each bus can seat 20 passengers, accommodate 10 standing riders, and has space for four wheelchairs. They are equipped with ramps and other accessibility features and will operate daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
To use the service, commuters must download and register through the Love Bus mobile app, currently available on Android and set to launch on the Apple App Store next week, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
The project is a partnership between the Department of Transportation and Global Electric Transport, with pilot runs conducted in Cebu and Davao last July. Marcos first announced the revival of the Love Bus during his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28.
Originally launched in the 1970s as a project of then First Lady Imelda Marcos, the Love Bus was the country’s first air-conditioned bus service, offering a modern alternative to jeepneys and traditional buses.