Manila: The Love Bus will remain free to the public during select peak hours in October, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced on Monday. In a radio interview, Lopez stated that the Love Bus, which is currently free and operates from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., will offer free rides in October from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lopez mentioned, “Ang may bayad ay kapag off-peak hours pagdating ng October. Para sa mga regular passengers po yan. Ang mga persons with disability (PWD), ang mga senior citizens, libre pa rin po sa pagdating sa October. All day po yan.” This indicates that regular passengers will need to pay during off-peak hours, but persons with disabilities and senior citizens will continue to enjoy free rides throughout the day.
Currently, the Love Bus operates in the National Capital Region from the Para±aque Integrated Terminal Exchange to the Valenzuela Gateway Complex and back. Lopez highlighted the financial benefits, saying, “Ang pamasahe diyan, one-way, is around PHP87. So, more or less makakatipid kayo ng PHP170 round-trip. Sa isang buwan, hindi bababa sa PHP5,000 ang matitipid niyo.”
Lopez further emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Napakalaking tulong po nito sa tingin ng Pangulo [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.], ng DOTr, at ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa ating mga kababayan.”
Passengers can book a trip on the Love Bus through its mobile app, although cash payments will be accepted during the initial months. “For the first few months, tatanggapin natin yan. Hanggang matuto at masabihan natin na lahat ng tumatangkilik dito sa ating Valenzuela route na kailangan na talaga nila magdownload ng app,” Lopez said.
While the mobile app is available for PWDs and senior citizens, they can also present a valid ID to avail themselves of the free ride. The launch of the Love Bus coincided with President Marcos’s 68th birthday, celebrated in partnership with the DOTr and Global Electric Transport in Valenzuela City.
The fleet consists of 20 electric Love Buses, each with a seating capacity of 20 passengers, standing room for 10, and designated space for four wheelchairs. The buses are equipped with ramps and other accessibility features.