Cebu gets second 'Love Bus' route

Local

THE national government officially launched the second route of the Love Bus Libreng Sakay program in Cebu, providing commuters with free rides along one of the city’s busiest southern corridors.

The new route begins at Anjo World Theme Park in Minglanilla, passes through Talisay City, and ends at SM Seaside City in Cebu City and vice versa.

Commuters can ride free during peak weekday hours from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., while full-day service is available on weekends and public holidays. Eleven buses have been deployed to serve passengers along the corridor.

The launch on Friday, August 22, was attended by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“This program is meant to directly benefit daily passengers. For Cebu alone, a commuter usually spends about P30 one-way or P60 daily. With the Love Bus, that amount is saved and becomes a huge help, especially for minimum wage earners and students,” Dizon said during the launch at SM Seaside City bus stop.

The transportation secretary explained that the southern corridor was selected for the new route due to its heavy passenger traffic.

The route connects key residential and commercial areas, making it easier for students, workers, and residents to commute without spending on fares.

Dizon also acknowledged that delayed payments on the first Love Bus route had caused some operators to hide during peak hours, but he said the issue has since been resolved to ensure uninterrupted service.

Garcia-Frasco highlighted that the Love Buses also promote Cebu’s cultural and natural attractions.

“Here in Cebu, we’re promoting our destinations—if you look at the back of the bus, makita nato ang beaches, dive sites ug ang festivals dinhi sa Cebu (we can see the beaches, dive sites, and festivals here in Cebu),” she said.

She added that each bus is designed to reflect inclusivity while carrying Cebuano pride along its route.

Frasco emphasized that improved mobility benefits both domestic and foreign tourists, allowing them to navigate key areas more easily while seeing the province’s destinations showcased on the buses.

Pangandaman assured that the program will continue under government funding, which covers operational costs and ensures fair pay for drivers and operators under the service contracting scheme.

“Kasama na siya sa atong 2026 proposed budget. Meron tayong nakalaan na P1.3 billion para dito next year. Asahan natin na tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo ng ating Love Bus,” she said.

Pangandaman’s statement also confirmed that the Love Bus service is now formally part of the government’s long-term transportation plans, backed by national budget allocations.

The Talisay–Minglanilla–SRP route follows the first Love Bus line launched in July, which runs from Urgello Street in Cebu City to Parkmall in Mandaue City using 111 modern jeepneys.

That route continues to ferry thousands of passengers daily, primarily students and office workers, reflecting the high demand for reliable, affordable public transportation in Cebu.

The modern Love Bus builds on the legacy of the Metro Manila service from the late 1970s and 1980s, which charged fares.

Under the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Love Bus operates completely free, aiming to make public transport accessible to daily commuters.

Marcos highlighted the initiative in his 2025 State of the Nation Address, noting the pilot run in Cebu and announcing plans to expand the service nationwide.

With two operational routes in Cebu, government officials said the program will help ease transportation costs, promote local tourism, and provide a model for long-term fare-free commuter services.

Dizon also mentioned that the administration is eyeing to extend the Love Bus program until 2028, signaling its commitment to maintaining reliable and accessible public transport along key corridors in the city.(MyTVCebu)