The much-awaited Clark Loop bus service, operated by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) in partnership with DOTr-LTFRB-SM Clark, was officially launched on September 16, 2024, with a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony held at SM City Clark. This milestone ushers in a new chapter for public transportation within the Clark Freeport Zone.
The ceremony was led by CDC President Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera with other notable guests in attendance including DOTr Usec for Road Transport and Infra Jesus Ferdinand Andy Ortega; LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III with Regional Director Aminoden Guro; Department of Tourism Regional Director Richard Daenos; LIPAD President Noel Manankil, BCDA President Jake Bingcang; Bamban Acting Mayor Eraño Timbang; Angeles City PTRO Chief Ferdie Calma; Beep Chief Commercial Officer Sharon Fong; Johanna Melissa Rupisan, SM Senior Assistant VP Opns with Mall Manager Jerwin Jalandoni and Area Manager Andrea Madlambayan.
“It all started with an idea and this is a prime example of the seamless coordination between government personnel and the community, working together as part of Clark’s thriving business ecosystem,” Devanadera remarked.
Ortega stated, “The DOTr fully supports this project, and I hope it will serve as a model for other provinces and regions across the country.”
Guadiz emphasized, “This is the first cashless system in Region 3, significantly enhancing transportation for the workforce of Clark investors. The LTFRB stands firmly behind you and will continue to support your upcoming projects in Clark.”
Starting September 17, an initial fleet of 10 Clark Loop buses, each with a minimum seating capacity of 42, will begin a soft rollout, offering convenient bus services on both northbound and southbound routes. This initiative aims to provide a seamless travel experience for commuters, tourists, and Clark International Airport (CRK) staff, improving accessibility and efficiency within the Clark Freeport Zone and its surrounding areas. With over 140,000 workers in Clark, this service seeks to ease transportation challenges.
According to Manager Erwin Bognot of the CDC Permits Division and TWG member for the Transport Group, each bus will operate on a fully cashless system using Beep cards. The base fare is PHP 15.00 for the first five kilometers, with an additional PHP 2.50 per kilometer thereafter. The maximum fare to Clark International Airport is PHP 49.00. Discounts are available for senior citizens and PWDs. Remember to tap in when boarding and tap out at your destination to avoid being charged the full loop fare.
Beep cards are widely used for public transportation in Metro Manila, and some parts of Luzon, including cities like Cebu and Bacolod. Besides paying for fares on public transportation systems such as the MRT, LRT, buses, and modern jeepneys, Beep cards can also be used for purchases at select convenience stores, fast food outlets, and other retail establishments. Additionally, they are accepted for toll payments on certain expressways, parking fees, and even in some theme parks and tourist attractions. It allows commuters to pay fares electronically through a reloadable card, managed by AF Payments Inc.
Moreoever, the northbound route will feature 25 stopovers, starting from SM City Clark Gate 1 near the department store to CRK Airport, with a reverse route for southbound travel.
The schedule for Clark Loop is as follows:
- Weekdays: First trip from SM City Clark departs at 5:00 AM; first trip from CRK Airport departs at 6:30 AM.
- Weekends: First trip from SM City Clark departs at 6:00 AM; first trip from CRK Airport departs at 7:30 AM on Saturdays and 8:00 AM on Sundays.
Clark Loop promises to enhance daily commutes, reduce travel time, and provide a reliable transit option for passengers.