Love Bus

I must have been only about eight years old when I first started taking public transportation all by myself. This is something that I can’t imagine today as I look at my nine-year-old son. Of course, this was during the ’70s when riding public transportation in Manila was not just relatively safe, it was sometimes even pleasant (or at least, interesting). For one thing, there still wasn’t too much traffic or pollution in the streets. There was enough space to sit in jeeps unlike today when people have to regularly make do with sabit. It was also entertaining to ride jeeps if only to check out what funny sayings and unique decorations they could think of next. Among the more memorable ones that I remember are the “God knows HUDAS not pay” sign and the “night-club” jeeps that had black lights, velvet curtains, and sensuous music. The buses, on the other hand, were more spartan and plain. But although many of them, such as JD and that green bus line whose name I can no longer remember, only had buses with wooden or flimsily padded seats, I never felt too tired or jarred from commutes. The bus-riding experience got even better when then President Marcos created the Metro Manila Transit Corporation (MMTC) which brought in all those new, big, and modern blue buses. Some may have criticized it for being a government monopoly, but at least the MMTC was relatively efficient (especially compared to today’s privatized EDSA mayhem). Their buses were clean, spacious, and had really nice cushioned seats. Their schedule had a predictable pattern and it was never difficult to get on one. Most importantly, their drivers were quite disciplined. But what I remember most fondly about the MMTC was when they introduced the very first air-conditioned public bus in the city — the Love Bus.

Air-conditioned buses may already be a dime a dozen but, at the time, it was something unique. Together with its catchy name, heart-shaped decorations painted all over its body, and built-in stereo music, the Love Bus soon became quite popular and a symbol of all the positive aspects of our transport system. There was even an OPM hit by Mike Pedero that came out entitled Mahal kong Love Bus. At times, I got on the Love Bus just for the heck of riding it. I would travel its entire route from its base at Ali Mall in Cubao to Makati, to Magallanes, to Escolta, and then all the way back to Cubao. For middle-class kids like me, it gave the feeling of being in a chauffeur-driven “luxury” car where I could just sit back and enjoy the ride. There were times when I just looked out the window the whole time, listened to the mellow music, and watched the whole world silently go by. At times, I observed the many different people who got on the bus and marvelled at their diversity. And on some occasions, the bus gave me a good place to think. All of these experiences for the bargain price of P1.50, too. The Love Bus was still popular years later when I started working after college. They added special routes and stops that made it convenient for us new corporate warriors (who did not yet qualify for a car loan) to get to work. It was like riding a school bus all over again. And though we now wore ties instead of jeans and lugged briefcases instead of books, many of us still brought our packed lunchboxes with us. I joked one officemate that I immediately knew (smelled) what he would have for lunch the moment he stepped on the Love Bus at his stop.

The MMTC, of course, is history and there are no Love Buses anymore. I have also long stopped regularly taking public transportation and, as a parent, I hesitate to let my children use it as well. It’s not just because I am better off now than I was before. But amid all the traffic congestion, pollution, robbers, and the race-car bus drivers, I just don’t think it’s safe and healthy to do so. How I wish the government could do something about it because it would be good for all of our children to take public transportation regardless of economic status. As I learned many years ago, there are so many lessons that can be potentially learned just from riding the humble jeepney. In fact, if there is one simple thing that P-Noy can do that I think can have an immediate and positive impact on the Filipino psyche, it is to bring back order in EDSA. Heck, while he’s at it, maybe he can bring back the Love Bus, too!

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