MANILA, Philippines — Commuters will soon be able to access Cavite from Manila and vice versa via scheduled ferry boat trips.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday announced that it set to operationalize ferry boat routes from Cavite to Manila, and vice versa soon.
The DOTr said the initiative will help ease traffic congestion in Metro manila through water transportation.
The operationalization of the said routes shall follow the following phases:
-Phase 1: Metro Star Ferry Terminal (Cavite City Hall)/ Sangley Port to SM MOA Ferry Terminal
-Phase 1: Metro Star Ferry Terminal (Cavite City Hall)/ Sangley Port to CCP Port
-Phase 2: Metro Star Ferry Terminal (Cavite City Hall)/ Sangley Port to Escolta, Manila
-Phase 2: Metro Star Ferry Terminal (Cavite City Hall)/ Sangley Port to Lawton Ferry Terminal
The dry run for Phase 1 is expected to be conducted on the first week of December this year, the DOTr said.
It added that shipping /ferry companies have also expressed interest in participating in the operationalization of the said routes.
The shipping firms include Shogun Ships Co., Incorporated, Starlite Ferries, Incorporated, Seaborne Shipping Lines Incorporated, and Pinoy Catamaran Corporation.
The DOTr, through the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), is also encouraging other shipping firms to consider deploying their ships to the said routes.
The operationalization of the Cavite-Manila routes will be in coordination with the Marina, Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Laguna Lake Development Authority, and the local governments of Cavite and Manila.