DAVAO — The Love Bus program continues to operate in Davao City despite rising fuel prices, with plans to add a new route serving more commuters. The free ride initiative has already served over 3.3 million passengers across its existing routes.
A New Route on the Horizon
Lawyer Ernest Benz Davila, chief of the Transportation Development Office-Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board XI, announced that a new memorandum circular opens the possibility of an additional route. The proposed Toril-Roxas route would connect downtown Davao City to the growing district of Toril, roughly 17 kilometers away.
Davila said details are still being finalized, but the new route would operate during peak hours. These are from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Like the existing routes, the service would remain free for commuters.
Serving Millions of Passengers
As of September 14, 2026, the Love Bus has served 3,324,305 commuters on its two existing routes. The UM-Matina to Tugbok route and the Lasang to Sasa via Roxas route continue to provide free transportation during peak hours.
The program launched in August 2025 as a rebrand of the Department of Transportation's Libreng Sakay Program. It was patterned after the Metro Manila Love Bus introduced in the 1970s. Private buses operate the service under a Gross Service Contracting Scheme with the DOTr.
Part of a Broader Government Effort
The Love Bus forms part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s efforts to alleviate the plight of Filipino commuters. Many struggle to find public transportation during peak hours while also bearing the burden of rising transportation costs. The spike in oil prices has made daily commuting even more challenging for ordinary workers and students.
The program complements other free ride initiatives in the city. These include the Davao City Government's Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service and the DC Bus. Together, these services provide a safety net for commuters who would otherwise struggle to reach their destinations on time.
Sustaining the Service Amid Challenges
Despite the pressures of rising fuel costs, the Love Bus remains operational. The government's commitment to the program reflects its recognition of the daily struggles faced by commuters. Free rides during peak hours ease the financial burden on workers and students who rely on public transportation.
The addition of the Toril-Roxas route would expand the program's reach to a rapidly growing district. Toril has seen significant residential and commercial development in recent years. A direct connection to downtown Roxas Avenue would benefit thousands of residents who commute daily for work, school, or business.
A Lifeline for Ordinary Filipinos
The Love Bus program demonstrates how targeted government interventions can make a tangible difference in people's lives. By providing free transportation during the hours when demand is highest, the initiative helps workers arrive on time and saves them money that can be spent on other necessities.
For Davao City commuters, the program represents more than just a ride. It is a lifeline that connects homes to workplaces, schools, and opportunities. As the government finalizes plans for the new route, thousands more stand to benefit from this essential public service.
