GV Florida Transport


G.V. Florida Transport, Inc., formerly known as Florida Liner, is a Philippine bus transportation company based in Barangay Matucay, Allacapan, Cagayan. Founded in the 1970s by Virgilio Florida Sr., the company provides intercity bus services connecting Metro Manila to various destinations in Northern Luzon. It is currently managed by Virgilio Florida Jr.
The company also provides bus charter services for both private individuals and corporate clients.
GV Florida Transport was the first bus company in the Philippines to introduce sleeper buses for long-distance travel.

History

G.V. Florida Transport, Inc. is a well-known bus company founded in 1999 by Virgilio Florida, together with his son George Florida and Virgilio Florida Jr. The company primarily operates in the provinces of Cagayan, Ilocos, and Quirino.
Recognized for its distinctive pink, floral-themed bus livery, G.V. Florida Transport is known for offering a comfortable and visually appealing travel experience. Its buses are equipped with modern amenities such as reclining seats, air conditioning, and onboard entertainment systems. The company provides passenger and cargo transport services along routes connecting Metro Manila to the Cagayan Valley and Ilocos regions, as well as various inter-provincial destinations.

Early expansion and acquisitions

G.V. Florida Transport expanded its presence in the transportation industry by acquiring franchises from several bus companies, including F. Franco Transit, B. Trans, Autobus Transportation, Viva Aladdin, Ballesteros Bus Line, and the Cagayan line of Dagupan Bus Company. This expansion strengthened the company’s service network and established G.V. Florida Transport as a major player in the sector, providing convenient and reliable travel options across the Cordillera region, as well as Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Isabela.
In the early 2000s, G.V. Florida Transport became the first Philippine bus company to introduce the “Sleeper Class,” deploying Golden Dragon, Higer, and Hino RM sleeper buses on the Manila–Cagayan and Manila–Ilocos routes. During this period, its sister company and subsidiary, GMW Florida Trans Inc., operated by other members of the Florida family, also expanded services. GMW Trans currently serves routes such as Santiago–Cauayan–Tuguegarao–Laoag, Tuguegarao–Baguio via San Jose and Bayombong, and Tuguegarao–Abra via Bantay and Vigan.

2011: Expansion and refleeting

In 2011, G.V. Florida Transport undertook a major fleet expansion by acquiring six units of MAN R39 18.350 buses for its Super Deluxe fleet, along with 20 exclusively modified PHI Grandeza RM units for both its Deluxe and Super Deluxe services. Further fleet upgrades followed in 2013 with the acquisition of the DM14 Series built on Hino RM chassis for its Deluxe and Super Deluxe categories

2014: the "Dark Year" of GV Florida

In the early morning of February 7, 2014, G.V. Florida Transport experienced one of the darkest moments in its history when one of its buses plunged into a ravine in Sitio Pagang, Barangay Talubin, Bontoc. The bus was carrying 45 passengers at the time. Fourteen people were killed, including one Dutch national, one Canadian national, and Filipino comedian and actor Tado Jimenez. The accident was attributed to brake failure, which caused the vehicle to lose control and veer off the road. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to assist survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.
On February 10, 2014, three days after the incident, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) imposed a 30-day preventive suspension on all 186 bus units operated by the company. The suspension was later extended to cover the remaining units as authorities conducted a comprehensive investigation into the incident, including an assessment of the company’s safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Recovery, Further Expansion, and Contemporary History

After the Supreme Court lifted its suspension, GV Florida Transport resumed operations. In anticipation of growing demand in the travel market, the company continues to expand its fleet with newer and more modern bus units. These include Higer U-Tour Series buses, the latest batches of the Hino RM2PSS platform featuring updated body designs such as the Hino Grandecho II Series by Hino Motors Philippines, Inc., and the DM16 Series 1 buses manufactured by '''Del Monte Motor Works, Inc.'''
Acquisitions and Subsidiaries
GV Florida Transport has also expanded through acquisitions and subsidiary development. Its newest subsidiary, Transport Pro Services Inc., emerged from the remnants of B. Trans and F. Franco and serves the Ilocos Region. The company further strengthened its presence on inter-provincial routes, particularly in the Cordillera Region, by absorbing St. Joseph Express, Gabriel Trans, Dangwa Transport, and GMW Trans into its group of companies. Unlike previous acquisitions, these five companies continue to operate alongside GV Florida as separate brands.
Additionally, GV Florida Transport introduced Zhongtong Bus units to its fleet, featuring custom bodies manufactured by Pura Bus, the company’s in-house bus builder.
Fleet Modernization and Executive Services
In 2019, GV Florida Transport quietly introduced the Hino RN8J, featuring the new Hino Grandeza II body and Del Monte Motorworks’ DM16 Series 1 design. In the fourth quarter of 2023 and early 2024, as part of a major re-fleeting program, the company formally launched the Executive Class, an upgraded Super Deluxe and Sleeper service. This period also saw the expansion of the fleet with the introduction of the Scania K-series platform, with bus bodies built initially by Del Monte Motorworks and later by the in-house bodybuilder Pura Bus, utilizing the DM22T, DM23, and DM24 bus bodies. During this period, GV Florida also revived the Executive Deluxe Class with the introduction of Higer KLQ6127LA "Tourist" buses.
Regulatory Incident
On June 10, 2025, the Department of Transportation suspended 15 bus units operating on the Sta. Ana–Sampaloc and Baguio–Apayao routes for 30 days, following a viral video uploaded on June 8 showing buses allegedly racing in Nueva Vizcaya. Following the suspension, DOTr revoked the licenses of three drivers involved in the incident.

Fare class

G.V. Florida has employed various fare classes across its fleet, including the following:

Regular Class

  • Regular Fare: Seats up to 49 passengers in a 2×2 seating configuration. This fare class is now rarely seen, having been largely superseded by the Deluxe Class.
  • Deluxe Class: Seats up to 43 passengers in a 2×2 seating configuration and is equipped with two LCD televisions. It is similar to the Regular Fare class but includes the addition of an on-board toilet.
  • Super Deluxe Class: Features 28 spacious seats arranged in a 2×1 configuration and is equipped with two LCD televisions and an on-board toilet.
  • Sleeper Class: Features 35 reclining double-deck bunk beds arranged in a 1×1×1 configuration, equipped with four televisions and an on-board restroom. GV Florida Transport was the first company in the Philippines to introduce sleeper buses for long-distance travel.
The company previously operated Ordinary Fare units until the mid-2010s. These buses were originally painted yellow but were later transferred to the subsidiary Dagupan Bus. The Ordinary Fare class was eventually phased out and replaced by the Regular Fare class, and later the Deluxe Class. Each unit accommodated up to 55 passengers and did not have air conditioning.

Executive Class

GV Florida Transport introduced the Executive Class in mid-2024 as a point-to-point service and as an upgraded option to its existing fare classes. The introduction aimed to enhance competitiveness against similar offerings from other bus companies, such as the Royal Class of Victory Liner and the Joybus of Genesis Transport.
  • Executive Deluxe Class: GV Florida Transport revived the Executive Deluxe Class in mid-2025 as an enhanced version of the Deluxe Class. It features 41 seats arranged in a 2×2 configuration with wider legroom than the standard Deluxe Class. Each seat is equipped with an individual bus pad tablet with USB charging, an LCD television, and the unit includes an on-board toilet. This fare class is implemented across multiple fleets, including the Scania K360IB, Hino RM2PSS, Zhongtong LCK6123CRA and LCK6129H "H12", and the Higer KLQ6127LA "Tourist" and KLQ6126LY "V12" models.Executive Super Deluxe Class: Similar to the Super Deluxe Class, the Executive Super Deluxe features "Lazyboy" seats arranged in a 2×1 configuration. Each seat is equipped with an individual bus pad tablet with USB charging, and the bus includes two LCD televisions and an on-board restroom. This fare class also provides complimentary snacks and additional on-board USB charging. It is utilized across the Hino RM2PSS, Zhongtong LCK6129H "H12", and Scania K360IB fleets.Executive Sleeper Class: An upgraded sleeper bus service, the Executive Sleeper features 23 premium pods arranged in a 1×1 double-deck configuration. Each pod is equipped with a bus pad tablet and headphones for entertainment in place of traditional TV sets. The service also includes an on-board restroom, complimentary snacks, headrests, blankets, and USB charging. Currently, the Executive Sleeper is GV Florida Transport's flagship service and is implemented across the Scania K360IB and Scania K410CB fleets.
''Audio and video systems, as well as air conditioning, are standard across all GV Florida Transport buses. On-board toilets are provided on the majority of the fleet, with the exception of the Regular Fare class. Some newer units are also equipped with on-board power outlets or USB charging ports.''

Livery and Body Colors

GV Florida Transport is known for its current livery, which features a pastel color scheme corresponding to each fare class, complemented by a floral-themed design applied on all sides of the bus. The specific colors used for each fare class are as follows:
  • The Regular Fare, Deluxe Fare and the Dangwa Transport's buses were painted Pink.
  • The Super Deluxe and Sleeper buses, and initial batches of Executive Sleeper were painted Light Blue
  • The newest body color, Cyan, was exclusively used by the newer batches of Executive Sleeper and Super Deluxe.
  • GMW Trans, Transport Pro Service, St. Joseph Express and Gabriel Trans were painted in Orange color with different variations per company.
Historically, GV Florida's fleets were painted two-tone magenta and white color with multicolored splash livery design, and was later updated with White body color with pink/yellow rainbow livery design.

Fleet numbering

GV Florida Transport employs a structured fleet numbering system to categorize its buses according to make, model, and service type:F-series – Reserved exclusively for Korean-branded units.
  • D-series – Assigned to Dangwa Transport units; Scania units were later reassigned to the S00 series.
  • T-series – Designated for Transport Pro Service units..
  • GD-series – Currently used for locally built units manufactured by Del Monte Motor Works, Pura Bus, and Hino Motors Philippines, covering Regular Fare, Deluxe, and Super Deluxe classes. Historically, the GD-series was exclusive to Golden Dragon XML6127 Marcopolo Super Deluxe units and serves as the numbering basis for future locally manufactured buses.
  • H-series – Assigned to Higer units..
  • S-series – Assigned to Sleeper buses.
  • S00 series – Exclusively assigned to Scania units.
  • 001–999 – Original series for Regular and Deluxe Fare units, also used temporarily for new units. These numbers were additionally assigned to Gabriel Trans and St. Joseph Transport units.

Retired Fleet numbering

Bullet/B-Series – Previously used by DMMC Aero Extreme Hino RM Super Deluxe units.KL-series – Formerly assigned to King Long XMQ6127 units.Deck of Cards – Previously assigned to DMMC Aero Adamant Hino RM Super Deluxe units, modeled after the newly released King Long KL-series at the time..J-series – Exclusive to Kia Granbird units operating under the Regular Fare class.

Operating fleet

Current fleet

  • Del Monte Motor Works, Inc.
  • *DM14 Series 1
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • *DM16 Series 1
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • ** Hino RN8JSUA 1626
  • ** Zhongtong LCK6123RA
  • *DM22T "Local Touring"
  • ** Scania K360IB 4x2
  • *DM23 Series 1
  • ** Scania K360IB 4x2
  • *DM24 Series 1
  • ** Scania K360IB 4x2
  • *first generation GD XML6127 'Marcopolo' replica
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • ** Hino RU2PSS 1733
  • ** Hyundai Aero Express HSX
  • ** MAN R39 18.350 HOCL
  • ** Hyundai Aero Space LS
  • Hino Motors Philippines
  • *Hino Grandeza
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • *Hino Grandecho II
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • *Hino Grandeza 2
  • ** Hino RN8JSUA 1626
  • Higer
  • *KLQ6123KQ U-Tour
  • *KLQ6118H U-Tour
  • *KLQ6128LQ U-Tour
  • *KLQ6127LA "Tourist"
  • *V12 KLQ6126LY "New V-series"
  • King Long
  • *XMQ6111CY
  • Zhongtong Bus
  • *LCK6118H Elegance
  • *LCK6129H "H12"
  • PURA BUS -
  • *DM14 custom unit
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • *DM16 custom unit
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • ** Hino RN8JSUA 1626
  • ** Zhongtong LCK6123CRA
  • *DM24 custom unit
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • ** Scania K360IB 4x2
  • ** Scania K410CB 4x2
  • ** Zhongtong LCK6123CRA
  • *Higer KLQ6123/6128 "U-Tour" inspired custom unit
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • ** Hino RN8JSUA 1626
  • ** Zhongtong LCK6123CRA

Former/Retired/Scrapped fleet

  • Del Monte Motor Works, Inc.
  • *DM09
  • ** Mercedes-Benz OH-1625
  • ** Hino RF821
  • *DM11
  • ** Hino RF821
  • *Aero Adamant
  • ** Hino RF821
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • ** Hino RK3HS
  • ** Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • ** Mercedes-Benz OH-1625
  • *Aero Extreme
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • ** Hino RF821
  • ** Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • ** Nissan Diesel JA520RAN
  • ** Mercedes-Benz OH-1625
  • *Lion Star
  • ** Hino RF821
  • ** Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • ** Daewoo BV113
  • *Euro Bus
  • ** Hino RF821
  • ** Nissan Diesel RB46S/R
  • ** Nissan Diesel JA430SAN
  • *first-generation GD XML6127 Marcopolo replica
  • ** Hino RF821
  • ** Isuzu CQR660
  • ** Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • ** Hyundai Aero Space LS
  • ** Daewoo BH116
  • ** Kia Granbird
  • PURA Bus
  • *DM11
  • ** Hyundai Aero Express HSX
  • ** Hyundai Aero Space LS
  • ** Daewoo BH116
  • ** Hino RF821
  • ** Nissan Diesel RB46S
  • Pilipinas Hino Inc.
  • * Hino MR-Series
  • ** Hino RM2PSS 1630
  • ** Hino RF821
  • *Hino Grandeza
  • ** Hyundai Aero
  • ** Daewoo BH115
  • ** Daewoo BH116
  • ** SsangYong Transstar
  • ** Kia Granbird
  • *Hino Prisma
  • ** Hino RF821
  • Nissan Diesel Philippines Corp.
  • *Euro Bus
  • ** Nissan Diesel JA430SAN
  • ** Nissan Diesel RB46S/SR
  • Hyundai Motor Company
  • * Hyundai Aero Space LS
  • * Hyundai Aero Express
  • * Hyundai Aero Queen
  • Kia Motors
  • * Kia Granbird SD-I, SD-II & HD "Sunshine"
  • Daewoo Bus
  • * BH115E
  • * BH116
  • Ssangyong
  • * SsangYong Transstar
  • King Long
  • * XMQ6127 J3 "Euro Star"
  • Higer
  • *V92W KLQ6129QWE3 Sleeper bus
  • Golden Dragon (company)
  • *XML6127E2 "Marco Polo"
  • *XML6127J13W "Marco Polo" Sleeper bus

Terminals

GV Florida

Cagayan Valley
  • Cagayan
  • *Abulug
  • *Alcala
  • *Aparri
  • *Baggao
  • *Ballesteros
  • *Buguey
  • *Claveria
  • *Enrile
  • *Faire
  • *Nabaccayan/Palagao Norte
  • *Gonzaga
  • *Lasam
  • *Piat
  • *Tuao
  • *Tuguegarao
  • *Sanchez-Mira
  • *Santa Ana
  • Isabela
  • *Aurora
  • *Burgos
  • *Cabatuan
  • *Cauayan
  • *Delfin Albano
  • *Echague
  • *Ilagan
  • *Jones
  • *Luna
  • *Roxas
  • *San Agustin
  • *San Mateo
  • *Santiago
  • *Tumauini
  • Quirino
  • *Maddela
Ilocos Region
  • Ilocos Norte
  • *Batac
  • *Dingras
  • *Laoag
  • *Nueva Era
  • *Pagudpud
  • *Piddig
  • *Solsona
Cordillera Administrative Region
  • Abra
  • *Bangued
  • Benguet
  • *Baguio
  • Ifugao
  • *Banawe

GMW Trans

Inter-Provincial Routes (vice versa)

Cagayan Valley
  • Isabela
  • *Delfin Albano
  • *Roxas
  • *Santiago
Cordillera Administrative Region
  • Pudtol-Luna
  • Kabugao
  • Abra
  • *Bangued
  • Benguet
  • *Baguio
Ilocos Region
  • Ilocos Norte
  • *Laoag
  • Ilocos Sur
  • *Bantay

Destinations

Metro Manila

Provincial destinations

Ilocos Region
Cagayan Valley Region
Cordillera Administrative Region
Central Luzon
''Passengers may board and leave the bus at any point.''

GMW Trans destinations

Former destinations