Philippine President's Commuter Ride Into the Future: The Love Bus Returns - CleanTechnica

The article highlights the relaunch of the iconic "Love Bus" program in Metro Manila, Philippines, coinciding with President Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s 68th birthday on September 13. The original Love Bus, introduced in 1975 under former first lady Imelda Marcos, was the Philippines' first air-conditioned public bus system and symbolized a more comfortable and modern commuting experience during the 1980s. However, financial challenges led to its discontinuation, leaving many with nostalgic memories. This new iteration revives the concept with 20 sleek electric buses, marking a significant shift toward sustainable and inclusive public transportation. President Marcos Jr. framed the relaunch as a gift to commuters, emphasizing benefits such as reduced transportation costs, less traffic congestion, and lower pollution due to the buses' electric powertrains. The new Love Buses, called COMET (City Optimized Managed Electric Transport), feature modern amenities including wheelchair ramps for accessibility and mobile app integration for real-time tracking, reflecting