Looking for more convenient and comfortable commutes for out-of-town trips? Local bus operator Del Monte Land Transport Bus Co. (DLTB) is set to launch mall-to-mall bus trips from three major malls in Metro Manila directly to nearby regions and various provinces in Northern and Southern Luzon this year.
DLTB and Park Solutions Inc. (PSI) have signed a deal to introduce new point-to-point (P2P) bus routes connecting SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, and SM Fairview to various SM Malls located in Naga, Tuguegarao, Batangas, La Union, and more. The P2P routes are expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026. PSI operates public transport terminals in all SM malls nationwide.
This is good news for commuters hailing from the provinces who often endure multiple bus transfers to get in or out of the city. If you travel frequently to different provinces by bus, you’ll know that the state of many bus stations leaves much to be desired. P2P buses, while usually a bit more expensive, are known for offering fixed schedules, limited stops, and shorter travel times compared with traditional provincial buses.
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The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has reportedly approved the franchise and proposed fare in preparation for the route roll-out.
During the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA), it was announced that SM Fairview, SM North EDSA, and SM Mall of Asia would serve as the main hubs in Metro Manila. Possible routes include SM Fairview to SM Naga, SM North EDSA to SM Tuguegarao, SM Fairview to SM Lipa, and SM MOA to SM La Union, among others.
As reported by the Philippine News Agency, DLTB officials said there were plans to acquire about 100 new buses and those with comfort rooms for long trips.
Take note that the service is expected to operate on a point-to-point basis. Buses will head directly to the pick-up and drop-off destinations without making stops in between. Passengers who live along the route cannot ask to be dropped off wherever they like along the way.
DLTB P2P Route Network 2026
According to DLTB's official website, the P2P routes include:
From SM Fairview (vice versa)
- SM La Union
- SM Dasmariñas
- SM Lipa (Q1 2026)
- SM Batangas City
- SM Lucena
- SM Naga (Q1 2026)
- SM Legazpi
From SM North Edsa (vice versa)
- SM Clark
- SM Pampanga
- SM San Fernando
- SM Baliwag
- SM Bacoor
- SM Dasmariñas
- SM Calamba
- SM. Sto. Tomas, Batangas
- SM Tuguegarao (Q1 2026)
From SM Mall of Asia (vice versa)
- SM La Union (Q1 2026)
- SM Dasmariñas
What is the benefit of P2P bus routes versus traditional bus routes?
For those unfamiliar with commuting in the country, P2P bus routes are a premium, express public transport service that runs directly between designated major terminals. This includes airports, business districts, malls, and other major transport hubs with limited or no stops in between.
P2P routes offer commuters a faster, more comfortable, and more predictable journey. Unlike regular provincial buses, which regularly stop to pick up and drop off passengers, P2P buses focus on key travel corridors.
These buses also offer modern amenities like air-conditioning, cushioned seats, and Wi-Fi for a stress-free commute for office workers and travelers. P2P buses cater to passengers seeking efficiency and a higher-quality ride, making them ideal for those traveling between key urban hubs.
Bus terminals, airports, and seaports in the National Capital Region often get packed with people going home to provinces, particularly during peak travel seasons. Currently, many passengers heading to various provinces are forced to wait in uncomfortable and crowded bus stations with few amenities and limited seating areas. Taxi drivers often target foreign tourists and passengers from other provinces arriving at bus stations, as they’re usually tired from the journey, unfamiliar with local routes and fares, and carrying luggage when they arrive. Many provincial bus stations are located in inconvenient areas, not usually directly connected to train lines.
Since malls already serve as major city hubs accessible to the general public, transforming them into convenient P2P and transport hubs is a strategic move. Unlike typical bus stations, malls already have spacious parking areas, shopping spots, and many dining options to pick from while waiting. The P2P routes could benefit students, workers, and entrepreneurs who regularly travel or go home to provinces from Metro Manila.
In case you didn’t know, DLTB also operates an existing P2P bus route between UP Diliman and UP Los Baños, catering mainly to students, with digital and same-day booking available online for convenience.
Check out the various DLTB P2P mall-to-mall routes listed on their website and stay tuned for more updates on how to book tickets online and fares on the bus line’s official social media pages.
