It’s official — the Philippines’ most romantic ride is back, and this time, you won’t even have to pay a peso.
In a move that’s left netizens thrilled and transport bosses scrambling, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has announced the long-awaited return of the iconic Love Bus — a 1970s classic that’s set to hit the roads once again, offering free rides to Filipino commuters.
Unveiled during his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, the president said the blue-and-white beauty would be relaunched in Cebu and Davao as a pilot project — with plans to expand across Visayas and Mindanao.
“We will not only bring back the Love Bus — we will also make it free,” Marcos told lawmakers, earning a round of applause (and likely a few nostalgic smiles).
🚍 LOVE IS IN THE AIR (AGAIN)
First introduced in the early ’70s, the Love Bus was the country’s first-ever air-conditioned public transport, instantly becoming a symbol of style, modernity, and — yes — romantic encounters on the road. With its sky-blue colour, soft seats and onboard music, it wasn’t just a commute — it was a vibe.
Back then, couples dated on it. Students napped on it. Workers chilled in it. And for a few glorious decades, Manila traffic somehow felt lighter.
The service was sadly scrapped in later years due to poor profits and government mismanagement — but like all good things, it’s making a comeback, this time with a sustainable twist: eco-friendly units powered by renewable energy.
Makati first teased a revival in 2023, but now, Bongbong’s giving it a full national push.
💔 FROM ‘WASTED’ TRAINS TO COMMUTER REDEMPTION
The Love Bus isn’t the only comeback story. Marcos also used his SONA to slam past failures in public transport — revealing that nearly 50 MRT-3 coaches sat idle for a decade, gathering dust while commuters suffered.
“That’s wasted money, a wasted decade,” he fumed. “But now, we’ve fixed it.”
Three of the controversial Dalian trains — bought from China in a ₱3.76B deal back in 2014 but never used due to technical issues — are now finally operational. More are expected to roll out this year.
And the perks don’t stop there: fare discounts for students, senior citizens, and PWDs have been doubled to 50% on the MRT and LRT lines.
❤️ THE INTERNET REACTS: #LoveBusIsBack TRENDS
As expected, social media erupted with excitement. Within minutes, #LoveBusIsBack was trending on X (formerly Twitter), with netizens sharing memes, throwback photos, and “sana all” reactions.
“Now I’m manifesting a meet-cute on the Love Bus,” one user posted.
“If there’s no disco ball and aircon, I’m not riding,” joked another.
🚌 SO, WHAT’S NEXT?
No exact launch date yet — but transport insiders hint that Davao and Cebu could see the first new Love Buses rolling out by early September.
It’s not just a bus. It’s a piece of pop culture, a nostalgic ride into the past — and possibly, the best thing to happen to public transport in years.
Whether you’re looking for a breezy commute or your next crush, the Love Bus might just be the ticket.
Get ready, Philippines — your ride (and maybe your soulmate) is on the way.
