After months in pilot testing, the Love Bus has launched its first official route in Davao City. The bus line will run daily trips between University of Mindanao–Matina and Mintal, from 6am to 9am and then later in the day from 5pm to 8pm. And as with the Love Bus operations that recently kicked off in Cebu, rides are free of charge.
At the moment, the Love Bus operations in Davao feature an eight-bus fleet, with 32 drivers and operators in rotation. It currently has a daily ridership of around 3,360 passengers, but the Department of Transportation (DOTr) estimates that it can service as many as 6,000 commuters daily. The agency also states that commuters save about P70 to P350 a day thanks to the free rides.
It is unclear where the Love Bus will head next, though previous reports mention that it will likely expand its coverage to more localities around Cebu and Davao. The DOTr has yet to reaffirm its aspiration to deploy the Love Bus nationwide before the end of 2025.
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While the Love Bus continues to develop its operations, commuters and motorists in Davao and the rest of Mindanao should also expect more progress on the 428km Mindanao Transport Connectivity Project.
The highway connecting Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos was another major announcement during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation address. The highway will not only connect the three major cities but also enhance mobility within each city. Having the free Love Bus on those city roads will surely be beneficial to all public transport users in the region.
