President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced the revival of the popular 1970’s ‘Love Bus,’ which is set to offer the public free transportation, during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
“Naaalala pa ba ninyo ‘yung tinatawag nating ‘Love Bus’? Ito ‘yung popular na pampublikong bus sa Metro Manila na sinimulan noong 1970’s. Ngayon, hindi lang natin ibabalik ang Love Bus, gagawin pa natin itong libre,” Marcos said.
In the 1970’s, these were the first air-conditioned buses, which charged a fixed fare and operated on a set schedule. In a paper by Engr. Rene S. Santiago, one of the first few civil engineers specializing in transportation and urban planning in the country, said the Love Bus became “the icon of what a good public transit system should be.”
“Pilot testing pa lamang ‘yung nasa Davao at sa Cebu. Susundan pa ito ng ibang mga lugar sa Visayas at sa Mindanao,” Marcos assured.
The President also mentioned some of the latest developments in the transportation sector, such as the increase in train fare discounts for Persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and students, which went up from 20 percent to 50 percent.
Moreover, the 1+3 Pamilya Pass was launched in June, which allows three people to accompany one paying passenger for free.
