'Ho-Ho' buses for tourists at Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT , Philippines  – Tourists in this free port will now find it easier to visit the different attractions here, thanks to the “hop-on, hop-off” transportation service launched by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in cooperation with WoWCard, a business locator engaged in tourism promotion and marketing.

Subic visitors can buy a one-day pass from WoWCard kiosks and enjoy one whole day of unlimited rides aboard any of the Wow Subic buses.

“Like eat-all-you-can, Subic’s hop-on, hop-off transportation system is ride-all-you-can at a minimal price of P200,”said SBMA administrator Armand Arreza.

Arreza said that Subic’s hop-on, hop-off (Ho-Ho) buses took after Metro Manila’s Wow Sakay Na! vans that ferry tourists to various attractions around the metropolis.

“But in Subic, instead of vans we have commissioned double-decker buses so that visitors can see the area better and thus make their visit worthwhile,” he added.

SBMA deputy administrator for tourism Raul Marcelo said the Ho-Ho bus system answers the need of tourists who want to go around the vast expanse of the Subic Freeport without the hassle of drivingor waiting for a ride.

“How would they be able to visit all the Subic sites in just one day? What would they ride from Zoobic Safari to Ocean Adventure? These are things that always bothered tourists. So we thought of having a hop-on, hop-off transport service for their convenience,” Marcelo said.

The Ho-Ho buses are also ideal for families and tour groups, since they can all be together in one vehicle as they go around the freeport, Marcelo added.

The buses start from Subic’s Boardwalk area, then go around the Central Business District, stopping at shopping centers, then travel all the way to the Naval Magazine area where most of Subic’s tourist attractions are located. After completing the circuit, the buses head back to Boardwalk.

Marcelo added that the Ho-Ho buses will provide the usual discounts to senior citizens and students.