Bus company in the Philippines From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
Quick Facts Founded, Headquarters ...
Victory Liner, Inc.
A Victory Liner bus heading back to Caloocan from Tuguegarao.
Victory Liner deploys more than 1,000 buses in its daily operations.[1][5]
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]
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]
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 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 launching of Victory Liner's Royal Class attracted popular demand, causing some trips of the sleeper bus to be sold out.
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]
Victory Liner maintains and operates different buses from various manufacturers.
Current
Santarosa Motor Works
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 (older units operating as a cargo bus)
Daewoo BF106 (non air-conditioned)
Daewoo BS106
Santarosa Jetliner bus body
Daewoo BV115
Santarosa SR620 NV bus body
Hyundai Aero Express HSX
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)
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