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Victory Liner

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Victory Liner, Inc.
A Victory Liner bus heading back to Caloocan from Tuguegarao.
FoundedOctober 15, 1945; 80 years ago (1945-10-15)
Headquarters713 Rizal Avenue Ext., Brgy. 72, Grace Park West, Caloocan, Philippines
LocaleLuzon
Service area
Service typeProvincial Operation
HubsCaloocan
Fleet1,000+ bus units[1]
OperatorVictory Liner, Inc.
PresidentMarivic del Pilar
Websitewww.victoryliner.com Edit this at Wikidata

Victory Liner, Inc. (VLI) is a bus company in the Philippines that was established in 1945 by José Hernandez, is recognized as one of the primary providers of bus transportation in the Philippines, servicing key locations across Luzon.[2] Initially using a fleet of repurposed military vehicles, the company was instrumental in meeting the post-WWII demand for public transport.[3]

Over the years, Victory Liner has strategically grown its operations, upgrading its fleet and expanding service routes to meet the evolving needs of travelers. Today, it operates a comprehensive network that connects Central and Northern Luzon provinces, such as Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, Benguet Baguio, Pangasinan, Bataan, Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, and Cagayan.[4]

Victory Liner deploys more than 1,000 buses in its daily operations.[1][5]

Etymology

[edit]

The name "Victory Liner" draws its inspiration from the post-World War II era sentiment. In the 1940s, the term "Victory Joe," a nod to America's victory, resonated widely within the Philippines. José Hernandez, correlating his first name "Jose" with the English equivalent "Joe," deemed "Victory Liner" an apt and evocative name for his emerging transport business.[2]

This naming choice coincided with the company's early expansion, incorporating a team that included Hernandez as a driver-mechanic and Angel Mangahas in a similar role, with Leonardo D. Trinidad (a brother-in-law) as the conductor, Santiago Crisostomo as the mechanic, and Marta, Hernandez's wife, overseeing finances. Subsequently, Eugenio D. Trinidad, another brother-in-law, joined as a helper-conductor, contributing to the growing family operation.[3]

History

[edit]

Victory Liner's beginnings trace back from the years of Japanese occupation in the country. Jose I. Hernandez, a mechanic from Macabebe, Pampanga, collected bits and pieces of machinery, metals and spare parts from abandoned United States Armed Forces vehicles, intending to build a delivery truck from scratch for his family's resale business of rice, corn, vegetables and their home-made laundry soap. Upon completion of the truck, he was surprised to see that what he envisioned to be a delivery truck turned out to be more like a bus.[6]

On October 15, 1945, Mr. Hernandez's first bus plied the Manila–Olongapo–Manila line. He was the driver and Leonardo D. Trinidad (a brother-in-law) was his conductor.[7] Later on[when?], the Hernandezes incorporated the business and Victory Liner became one of the main transport modes to shuttle passengers and goods to and from Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan, La Union, Tarlac, Benguet, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Cagayan, Apayao, and Kalinga.[8]

In 2007, Victory Liner introduced its deluxe class for its Baguio and Cagayan Valley services.[9] The company was eventually passed on to the son of Jose Hernandez, Johnny Hernandez.[10]

In 2011, Victory Liner initially equipped 50 air-conditioned buses with Sun Cellular Wireless Broadband to allow passengers with Wi-Fi-capable devices to log on to the Internet.[11]

In April 2012, Victory Liner partnered with AirAsia Philippines to provide shuttle service for inbound and outbound passengers of Clark International Airport.[12]

In August 2023, Victory Liner classified its bus services as "Express" (via Expressway) and "Inner Cities" (via provincial towns) to make simplified travel choices for the passengers.[13]

The launch of the Royal Class bus in late 2023 gained attention for passengers interested for a sleeper bus service.

On October 13, 2023, during the 78th anniversary event of Victory Liner, the bus company launched its Royal Class sleeper bus for its Baguio, Tabuk, and Tuguegarao services.[14] The new buses were manufactured by Volvo, with Thaco assmebling the structural body.[15] The videos of the sleeper buses went viral on social media, causing some Royal Class trips to be sold out due to popular demand. Passenger services of the Royal Class sleeper buses begun on October 23.[16] As part of the anniversary, Victory Liner also restored its "Jardinera" vintage bus. The type, which was the very first bus that plied the Manila–Olongapo route in 1945,[17] embarked on a "Nostalgia Ride" tour around several tourist spots in Baguio.[18]

In November 2024, in its vision of carbon-neutral sustainable transport, VLI launched the country's first two electric buses (Quezon City–San Fernando route). The 65 passengers Higer Buses have each 485 kWh battery for 350 to 400 kilometers journey.[19]

Fleet

[edit]

Victory Liner maintains and operates different buses from various manufacturers.

Current

[edit]
Almazora Motors Corporation
  • Almazora Tourist Star RE bus body
    • Hyundai Aero Space LD
    • MAN R39 18.350 HOCL
  • Almazora Tourist Star Regio bus body
    • MAN R39 18.350 HOCL
    • MAN RR3 19.360 HOCL
Autodelta Coach Builders
  • Autodelta 12-meter coach body
    • Volvo B7R
    • Volvo B8R
  • Autodelta Marcopolo Audace 1050 replica
    • Volvo B11R
Del Monte Motor Works, Inc.
  • Del Monte Motor Works DM14 Series 1 bus body
    • MAN R39 18.350 HOCL
  • Del Monte Motor Works DM14 Series 3 bus body
    • Hino RK1JST
    • Hyundai Aero Space LS
  • Del Monte Motor Works DM16 S2 HID bus body
    • Volvo B7R
    • Volvo B8R
  • Del Monte Motor Works DM18 bus body
    • MAN RR3 19.360
  • Del Monte Motor Works DM23 bus body
    • MAN RR3 19.360
Higer Bus Company Limited
  • A80 KLQ6123K
  • V12 KLQ6126LY
  • V12 KLQ6126YEV
  • V91 KLQ6119QE3
  • KLQ6926G
Hino Motors Philippines
  • Hino Grandeza II bus body
    • RN8J
  • Hino Grandmetro bus body
    • Hino RK1JST
  • Hino SBC-08 bus body
    • Hino RK1JMT
Hyundai Motor Company
Kia Motors Corporation
  • New Granbird
    • KM959SX Bluesky
    • KM959S Parkway
    • KM959H Sunshine
King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd.
  • XMQ6117Y3
Santarosa Motor Works Inc.
  • Santarosa Exfoh bus body
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S (operating as a cargo bus)
    • Nissan Diesel JA450SSN (operating as a cargo bus)
    • Nissan Diesel SP215NSB (operating as a cargo bus)
  • Santarosa Cityliner bus body
    • Daewoo BH117H
    • Daewoo BV115 (first generation and older units operating as a cargo bus)
    • Daewoo BF106 (non air-conditioned)
    • Daewoo BS106
  • Santarosa Jetliner bus body
    • Daewoo BV115
  • Santarosa Modulo bus body
    • MAN RR3 19.360
    • MAN R39 18.350
    • MAN A85 18.280
  • Nissan Diesel PKB212N (some units operating as a cargo bus)
  • Iveco Euromidi CC150

Truong Hai Group Corporation (THACO)

  • Mobihome
    • Volvo B8R
  • Bluesky 120S
    • Volvo B8R

Xiamen Golden Dragon Bus Co. Ltd.

  • XML6103J92 "Marcopolo II"
Zhengzhou Yutong Group Co., Ltd.
  • Yutong ZK6105H
  • Yutong ZK6107HA
  • Yutong ZK6119HA
  • Yutong ZK6122HD9
  • Yutong ZK6128H "C12 Pro"
Zhongtong Bus Holding Co., Ltd.
  • Zhongtong LCK6129H

Former

[edit]
Almazora Motors Corporation
  • Almazora Lion's Star bus body
    • MAN A55 18.310 HOCL
  • Almazora Tourist Star SH bus body
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • Almazora Travel Star bus body
    • MAN A55 18.310 HOCL
Anhui Ankai Automobile Co., Ltd.
  • Ankai HFF6110KO6D
Bataan Automotive Remanufacturing Corporation
  • Nissan Diesel RB46S
Del Monte Motor Works, Inc.
  • Del Monte Motor Works DM10 Series 2 bus body
    • Hyundai Aero Express HSX
  • Del Monte Motor Works DM12 Series 1 bus body
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • Del Monte Motor Works Euro Bus replica
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • Del Monte Motor Works "Exfoh" replica
    • MAN 754 16.290 HOCL
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • Del Monte Motor Works Lion's Star bus body
    • MAN A55 18.310 HOCL

Guilin Daewoo Bus Co., Ltd.

  • GL6127HKC1
Hino Motors Philippines
  • Hino "Exfoh" bus body replica
    • Nissan Diesel RB31S
    • Hino RF821
Hyundai Motor Company
  • Hyundai Aero Space LS
  • Hyundai Aero Queen
  • Hyundai Aero City (1st-generation)
Isuzu Motors Ltd.
  • Isuzu Cubic (1st-generation)

Karl Kässbohrer Fahrzeugwerk (Kassbohrer-Setra)

  • Setra S215H
Kia Motors Corporation
  • Granbird (1st-generation)
    • KM948 SD-II Parkway
    • KM949H HD Sunshine
King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd.
  • King Long XMQ6118Y
  • King Long XMQ6119T
  • King Long XMQ6126Y
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
  • Aero Bus P-MS725S
Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
  • Fuji Heavy Industries 5E bus body
    • Nissan Diesel UA31S
  • Nissan Diesel Space Runner RA
    • Fuji Heavy Industries 7E bus body
      • Nissan Diesel UA460
Nissan Diesel Philippines Corporation
  • Nissan Diesel Euro Trans bus body
    • Nissan Diesel JA430SAN
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S

Partex Auto Body (Hino Motors Philippines Corporation)

  • Grandeza bus body
    • Nissan Diesel JA450SSN
  • Generic non air-conditioned model bus body
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • Generic air-conditioned model bus body
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S
Trans-Oriental Motor Builders, Inc.
  • Golden Dragon XML6127 Marcopolo II replica
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S
Santarosa Motor Works
  • Santarosa AKR bus body
    • Nissan Diesel CPB87N
  • Santarosa Exfoh Hi-Deck bus body
    • MAN A55 18.310 HOCL
  • Santarosa Exfoh bus body
    • Nissan Diesel CPB87N
    • Nissan Diesel RB31S
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • Santarosa Explorer bus body
    • MAN L68 14.223 HOC
  • Santarosa Flexstar bus body
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • Santarosa Modulo bus body
    • MAN 754 16.290 HOCL
    • MAN A55 18.310 HOCL
  • Santarosa SDX bus body
    • Nissan Diesel RB31S
  • Santarosa SR615 Flexi bus body
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • Santarosa SR620 NV bus body
    • Nissan Diesel RB46S
    • Hyundai Aero Express HSX
Zhengzhou Yutong Group Co., Ltd.
  • Yutong ZK6100H
Zyle Daewoo Bus
  • FX120 Cruising Star
  • FX212 Super Cruiser
Modified & Custom-built buses by Five Star Bus Body
  • MAN A55 18.310 HOCL
  • Nissan Diesel RB46S

Fare classes

[edit]
Interior of a first class bus in 2023

Every unit of their buses has its own fare classes:

  • Ordinary Fare: 3×2 seating (61/66 seater)
  • Economy Airconditioned: 3x2 seating (61/66 seater)
  • Regular Airconditioned: 2×2 seating (45/49 seater)
  • Deluxe: 2×2 seating with more leg room, USB charging ports, and onboard lavatory (41 seater)
  • First Class: 2×1 lazyboy seating with charging ports, free complimentary snacks with bottled mineral water, and onboard lavatory (29 seater)
  • Royal Class: 1×1×1 double decker reclinable bed with a curtain in every suite, a USB A and C charging ports, a personal lamp, free amenity kit, free blanket and free complimentary snacks with bottled mineral water and onboard lavatory (28 beds)[14]

Note: Baguio First Class and Royal Class have a stewardess, while Cagayan/Isabela/Tabuk First Class and Royal Class have no stewardess, and have been replaced by bus conductors. Also, both First Class and Royal Class passengers have access to The Lounge, an air-conditioned room with free coffee for everyone, and there is a microwave to heat your food if you want to.

Audio and Video systems and Wi-Fi are standard on all of its classes.

Stations and terminals

[edit]

Metro Manila

[edit]
  • Avenida - 833 Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila
  • Caloocan - Rizal Avenue Extension, Caloocan
  • Cubao - 651 EDSA, Immaculate Conception, Quezon City
  • Kamias - 766 EDSA corner East Avenue, Pinyahan, Quezon City
  • Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange - Tambo, Parañaque
  • Pasay - 712 EDSA, Pasay
  • Sampaloc - Sampaloc Bus Terminal, Earnshaw Street, Sampaloc, Manila

Provincial

[edit]
Victory Liner's terminal in Olongapo
Central Luzon
  • Pampanga
    • Apalit - San Vicente, Apalit, Pampanga
    • San Fernando - Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Dolores, San Fernando, Pampanga
    • Mabalacat - Dau Bus Terminal, Mabalacat, Pampanga
  • Bataan
    • Balanga - Bataan City Terminal, Ibayo, Balanga, Bataan
  • Zambales
    • Iba - Palanginan, Iba, Zambales
    • Olongapo - West Bajac-bajac, Olongapo
    • Santa Cruz - Poblacion North, Santa Cruz, Zambales
  • Tarlac
    • Tarlac City - Zamora St, Tarlac City, Tarlac
  • Nueva Ecija
    • San Jose - Pan-Philippine Highway, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija
Ilocos Region
  • Pangasinan
    • Sison - Sison Bus Stop, Manila North Road, Sison, Pangasinan
    • Alaminos - Quezon Avenue, Poblacion, Alaminos, Pangasinan
    • Bolinao - Concordia, Bolinao, Pangasinan
    • Dagupan - Perez Boulevard, Herrero-Perez, Dagupan
    • Lingayen - Avenida Rizal East, Lingayen, Pangasinan
Cordillera Administrative Region
  • Baguio
    • Baguio - Upper Session Road, Barangay Marcoville, Baguio
  • Kalinga
    • Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga
    • Daguitan Street, Poblacion, Dagupan Weste, Tabuk, Kalinga
Cagayan Valley
  • Nueva Vizcaya
    • Aritao - CCQ Bus Stop and Resto, Pan-Philippine Highway, Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya
  • Isabela
    • Cauayan - Dy-Seven Gasoline Station, San Fermin, Cauayan, Isabela
    • Ilagan - Guinatan, Ilagan, Isabela
    • Roxas - Bantug, Roxas, Isabela
    • Santiago - Calao East, Santiago, Isabela
  • Cagayan
    • Aparri - United Petron Station 2, Gen. Luna St., Macanaya District, Aparri, Cagayan
    • Tuao - Tuao Integrated Bus Terminal, Tuao, Cagayan
    • Tuguegarao - Maharlika Highway, Penge-Ruyu, Tuguegarao, Cagayan

Destinations

[edit]

Source:[20]

Metro Manila

[edit]
Buses of Victory Liner at its Kamias terminal in Quezon City

Provincial

[edit]
Old Baguio bus terminal of Victory Liner, currently use for Drop and Go Cargo Padala only

Inter-Provincial Routes (vice versa)

[edit]

Olongapo

  • Baguio (via SCTEX/TPLEX or San Fernando/Tarlac)
  • Balanga
  • Clark International Airport (via SCTEX)
  • Dau (via San Fernando)
  • Iba
  • Sta. Cruz

Sta. Cruz

  • Alaminos
  • Baguio (via Agoo)
  • Dagupan
  • Olongapo

Dagupan

  • Baguio (via Agoo or Manaoag)
  • Bolinao (via Agoo)
  • Roxas (via Cauayan)
  • Santiago
  • Sta. Cruz (via Agoo)
  • Tuguegarao

Baguio

  • Olongapo (via SCTEX/TPLEX or San Fernando/Dau/Tarlac)
  • Dagupan (via Agoo or Manaoag)
  • Sta. Cruz (via Agoo)
  • Bolinao (via Agoo)

Tuguegarao

  • Balanga (via Dau/San Fernando)
  • Dagupan
  • Dau
  • San Fernando

Former destinations

[edit]

Subsidiaries

[edit]
[edit]
  • Victory Liner buses
  • Yutong ZK6122HD9
    Yutong ZK6122HD9
  • MAN A85 18.280 (Santarosa Motorworks "Modulo" body)
    MAN A85 18.280 (Santarosa Motorworks "Modulo" body)
  • Daewoo BV115 (Santarosa Motorworks "Jetliner" body)
    Daewoo BV115 (Santarosa Motorworks "Jetliner" body)
  • Hyundai Universe Space Luxury "Premium"
    Hyundai Universe Space Luxury "Premium"
  • Nissan Diesel PKB212N (Santarosa Motorworks "Exfoh" body)
    Nissan Diesel PKB212N (Santarosa Motorworks "Exfoh" body)
  • MAN R39 18.350 (Almazora Motors "Tourist Star Deluxe" body)
    MAN R39 18.350 (Almazora Motors "Tourist Star Deluxe" body)
  • Daewoo BH117H (Santarosa Motorworks "Cityliner" body)
    Daewoo BH117H (Santarosa Motorworks "Cityliner" body)
  • King Long XMQ6117Y3
    King Long XMQ6117Y3
  • Volvo B7R (Del Monte Motor Works DM16 S2 body)
    Volvo B7R (Del Monte Motor Works DM16 S2 body)
  • Volvo B8R (THACO Mobihome Limousine body)
    Volvo B8R (THACO Mobihome Limousine body)
  • Zhongtong LCK6129H
    Zhongtong LCK6129H

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Thy An (October 18, 2023). "Thaco launches sleeper buses in Philippines". VnExpress. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Victory Liner". www.victoryliner.com.
  3. ^ a b Orejas, Tonette (October 18, 2015). "Victory Liner zooms ahead at 70". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  4. ^ "Victory Liner". www.victoryliner.com.
  5. ^ "Victory Liner: Victorious through the years". The Philippine Star. philstar.com. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  6. ^ abcatubig (October 5, 2015). "Limlingan: Victory Liner, Inc. through the years". SunStar. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  7. ^ Inquirer, Philippine Daily. "Victory Liner pays it forward through foundation". business.inquirer.net. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  8. ^ Orejas, Tonette. "Victory Liner zooms ahead at 70". business.inquirer.net. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  9. ^ "A VICTORIOUS TRANSPORT ICON IN THE MILLENNIAL ERA". Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  10. ^ "Victory Liner: 65 years on the road". philstar.com. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  11. ^ "Philippine Star Online: Victory Liner is the newest Wi-Fi spot".
  12. ^ "AirAsia Philippines Free Shuttle Bus Now Available in Clark - The Lost Boy Lloyd". The Lost Boy Lloyd. April 5, 2012. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  13. ^ "Navigating your way: Victory Liner's inner city and express trips simplify travel choices". Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 1, 2023.
  14. ^ a b "Victory Liner marks 78th anniversary with launch of Royal Class Sleeper Bus Line". manilastandard.net. October 14, 2023.
  15. ^ "Revolutionizing bus travel: Victory Liner introduces luxurious Volvo B8R royal class buses to its fleet". Volvo Buses (Press release). October 24, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  16. ^ "Victory Liner notes strong demand for sleeper bus". ABS-CBN News. October 18, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  17. ^ "Victory Liner: Riding high at 65". Philstar.com.
  18. ^ Malasig, Jeline (October 18, 2023). "'Nostalgia ride': Victory Liner offers free vintage bus rides to Baguio tourist spots". InterAksyon. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  19. ^ Iñigo, Leslie (November 27, 2024). "Victory Liner launches electric bus for Pampanga route". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
  20. ^ "FARE & SCHEDULE". Victory Liner, Inc.
[edit]
  • Media related to Victory Liner at Wikimedia Commons
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