Commuters take to Pasig River
By Nancy C. Carvajal
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:42:00 07/20/2008
SOARING FUEL PRICES ARE FORCING private car owners to queue for public transport like trains and buses -- and even the Pasig River ferry.
“Since the opening of classes, our boats have been running at full capacity,” said Carlito Roce, chief engineer of a ferry operated by Nautical Transport Service Inc (NTSI).
NTSI, a private company, has a franchise for the river service that runs from Kalawaan in Pasig City to Intramuros in Manila.
Although the fare is a bit higher than for jeepneys and buses, students and office workers are among their regular riders, Roce said.
“Some come to the ferry terminal in private cars, some step off taxis,” Roce said.
The hour-and-a-half river ride from Kalawaan to Intramuros costs P45 for regular passengers. Those traveling shorter distances, or those that take less than 15 minutes, are charged P25.
“The student discount is more than 50 percent, they only pay P20 at any station,” he said.
The ferry service has 16 stations located at Kalawaan, Bambang, San Joaquin, Guadalupe, Rosario, Pineda, Hulo, Lambingan, Sta.Ana, PUP, Quiapo, Lawton, Escolta and Intramuros.
Roce said boats leave every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. Longer intervals occur during weekends and holidays.
During heavy rains or when storm signals are raised, all trips must be cleared by the Coast Guard.
NTSI operates air-conditioned boats, 24.5 meters long and 7 meters wide, with toilets and a lift for disabled passengers, Roce said.
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