Photo courtesy of MMDA
After more than five decades—it’s back—the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has revived the pre-Martial Law (declaration) era ‘Love Bus’ that was first launched by the Metropolitan Manila Transit Corporation on January 26, 1976. But this time, the iconic bus has been relaunched with electric buses that will provide ‘free rides’ for commuters.
No less than First Lady Marie Louise ‘Liza’ Aeaneta-Marcos and MMDA chairman Atty. Romando ‘Don’ Artes led the inauguration of the electric Love Buses, with several Metro Manila mayors also present during the ceremony.
The electric Love Bus service began operations yesterday, September 10 with scheduled route hours from 6:00 in the morning to 9:00 in the evening.
It serves the route from Robinsons Galleria to the MMDA office, Arcovia City, C5-Bridgetown and Eastwood, Quezon City, before making the return trip.
Chairman Artes said the service aims to address the needs of commuters in underserved areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable.
“Kung nakikita n’yo kasi, walang pampublikong transportasyon d’yan. Iyong mga pasahero pong nanggagaling d’yan sa mga rotang iyan, naghihintay pa po ng mga UV Express na galing Rizal, Antipolo at QC (Quezon City) na malalayo hoping na may mga pasaherong bumaba doon para sila makasakay,” Artes noted, adding that each unit of the bus can accommodate up to 36 passengers.
Six electric units of the ‘Love Bus’ fleet were donated by private companies and local government units while the MMDA is procuring additional units to expand it to 12 buses.
The MMDA announced that more routes are being eyed to be opened in the future.
History buffs may recall that the original ‘Love Bus’ was first introduced back in the ’70s under the administration of then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. It was a signature project of then-First Lady and Metro Manila governor Imelda Marcos.
The ‘Love Bus’ was considered revolutionary when it was launched as the first air-conditioned mass transport in the country and with its ‘no standing on the aisle’ policy.