Cebu Revives Iconic Love Bus Now Free for Commuters

Cebu Revives Iconic ‘Love Bus’ Now Free for Commuters

Cebu City, August 22, 2025 – The beloved “Love Bus” is back on Cebu’s roads—this time offering free rides to thousands of commuters in a bold new pilot program spearheaded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Route Details and Operations

The revived Love Bus operates on two main routes:

• Talisay City/Anjo World ⇄ Cebu City, serving approximately 2,462 commuters daily with 11 buses and 44 operators, during peak hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• An initial pilot route from Urgello, Cebu City ⇄ Parkmall, Mandaue City, launched in July and servicing modern public utility jeepneys (MPUJs), also under the free “Libreng Sakay” initiative

Together, these routes form part of a broader strategy: to make the iconic Love Bus not just a nostalgic nod to the 1970s, but a meaningful relief for Cebu’s daily commuters.

Since July, nearly 650,000 commuters have benefitted from the initial pilot routes alone.

Government Commitment and Symbolism

Transport Secretary Vince Dizon highlighted that the program is “worth it because it is a direct benefit to the passengers,” noting that fares previously cost between ₱30 one-way or ₱60 for a round trip.

Launching the Love Bus in the Visayas and Mindanao regions—particularly Cebu—signals the commitment to expand beyond Metro Manila, aligning with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to revive the service and make it free for all.

Economic and Tourism Impact

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco joined the launch, underscoring its potential to boost tourism. Frasco emphasized in Cebuano that “this will greatly help our tourism here in Cebu because the Love Bus system means that our tourists now have a free means to go around our various destinations.”

Expansion Outlook

DOTr has floated plans for additional routes, pending funding. The current program—including the modern PUJ Love Buses—is funded through the remainder of President Marcos’ term and relies heavily on cooperation from operators and budgets allocated through service contractin

At a Glance: Free ‘Love Bus’ in Cebu