Commuters in Metro Manila will soon enjoy free rides on electric buses as part of the Love Bus program under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Tuesday a partnership with Global Electric Transport (GET) Philippines to launch the Electric Love Bus initiative by the end of April or early May.
Corporate sponsors will help sustain the program and expand services to more cities in Metro Manila.
“Through this partnership, we are introducing fully electric buses that are cleaner, quieter and more modern. These buses will help reduce pollution, ease congestion along key routes and provide a more comfortable riding experience for passengers,” MMDA Chairperson Don Artes said during the signing ceremony at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig.
Under the collaboration, MMDA will manage routes, provide enforcement support, and oversee infrastructure alignment with public-service goals, while GET Philippines will operate and maintain a fleet of 10 electric buses.
Each bus can carry 30 passengers and will run five to six trips daily from 6 a.m. to 9–10 p.m. along selected routes in Pasig City, Quezon City, and Mandaluyong City.
Approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the eastbound route will pass Robinsons Galleria, Estancia Mall, MMDA, Arcovia, Opus Mall, Arcovia Mall, and Eastwood City.
The westbound route will stop at Eastwood City, C5-Eastwood footbridge, C5-Green Meadows footbridge, C5-Green Meadows gate, Tiendesitas, C5-Julia Vargas Avenue, MMDA, Estancia Mall, and Robinsons Galleria.
Last year, Marcos launched the program with free rides for the entire month of September using 20 electric buses in Metro Manila. Pilot runs were also conducted in Cebu City and Davao City.