MANILA: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) launched in Cebu and Davao on Friday (Aug 22)the iconic “Love Bus,” which offers free rides to the public.
According to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, 11 Love Buses with free rides are already available on the route from Talisay City/Anjo World to Cebu City and vice versa, from 6am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm starting this Friday.
As for Davao City, eight Love Buses on the route from University of Mindanao-Matina to Mintal and vice versa will be available also from 6am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm.
Dizon noted that a total of 2,462 commuters and 44 operators and drivers will benefit daily from the said Love Buses in Cebu, and 3,360 commuters and 32 operators and drivers in Davao.
“The President wanted to revive Love Bus and make it better. It’s now free. The President said we must do it for the entire country, and it is symbolic that we are launching it in Visayas and Mindanao. The programme is worth it because it is a direct benefit for the passengers,” Dizon was quoted as saying in a DOTr statement on Friday.
Dizon was joined by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in the launch of the Love Buses in Cebu.
The transportation and budget chiefs likewise led the launching of the iconic buses in Davao.
There will be 11 units of Love Bus in Cebu.
The 1970s “Love Bus” was known as the first air-conditioned bus in the Philippines. It was said to be a project of the president’s mother, then-First Lady Imelda Marcos. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
