Free Pasig River Ferry ride extended for another month

March 03, 2020

Pasig River Ferry (FILE PHOTO)

QUEZON CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA)—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is extending the free rides at the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) for another month, the agency announces Friday. The free ride, which started in December last year, was supposed to end tomorrow, February 29.

MMDA Chair Danilo Lim said the PRFS accommodates an average of 700-1,000 passengers a day, a sign that people opt to use the ferry service as an alternative mode of transportation to the already congested Metro Manila road network.

“We are happy to hear that people are enjoying the ferry ride going to their destinations and commuting by ferry have become a way a way life to Metro Manila residents. That is why we are extending the free ride until March 31,” Lim said.

MMDA Deputy Chairman Frisco San Juan Jr. and PRFS over-all head, said more ferry boats will be added and ferry stations will be put up soon to better serve the public with the support of both national and local government units of Metro Manila in anticipation of increased number of passengers soon.

“I am optimistic that our future plans will further boost the ferry’s commuter patronage,” San Juan said.

He said mayors and private entities have pledged to provide additional boats.

He also added that plans to construct three more ferry stations, namely: Quinta Market in Manila, Circuit Makati in Makati, and Kalawaan in Pasig to further expand the operations are also underway. Some private groups have also expressed their intention to put up their own ferry stations to serve their immediate areas.

Currently, PRFS has eight boats which can accommodate varying number of passengers and soon 150-seater ferries will be cleared for use as well.

The ferry service runs from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Escolta in Manila, with 11 stations: Pinagbuhatan, San Joaquin and Maybunga in Pasig City; Guadalupe, Valenzuela in Makati City; Hulo in Mandaluyong City; and Lambingan, Sta. Ana, PUP, Lawton, Escolta in Manila City.

The revival of the PRFS is in line with President Duterte’s order to address the traffic problem in Metro Manila. (MMDA/PIA-NCR)

Posted by PIA-NCR

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