FREE RIDES Since the relaunching of the Pasig River Ferry Service on Monday, around 300 passengers have availed themselves of free ferry rides. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
Seizing on the renewed public interest in the reopened Pasig River Ferry System, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it was planning to bring the number of functioning stations to 14 to make the service fully operational.
In an interview, MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said that they were eyeing opening three more stations: Quinta Market (Manila), Circuit (Makati) and Kalawaan (Pasig).
Since its relaunching on Dec. 9, the ferry service has served around 300 passengers.
“We just want the public to be aware that the ferry system is really, fully usable,” Garcia told reporters. “It’s a good way to avoid traffic. When we rode, it only took us 45 minutes to get from Guadalupe to Lawton. On the road, that takes two to three hours.”
He said that the MMDA was now coordinating with the Department of Transportation on making the fares very affordable. Right now, the rides are free of charge until Jan. 31 next year.
The MMDA has also been working with the Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Industry Authority to remove “double-parked” barges, idle boats and other “hazards to navigation” on Pasig River.
In a statement, Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said it was equally vital to the ferry system’s operations that the waterway be kept clear to ensure smooth sailing.
Throughout the erratic run of the Pasig River Ferry System, it has never opened all 11 stations at the same time.
This is because its operations are perpetually plagued by excessive pollution in the river, making its boats constantly at risk of being damaged by debris and garbage. The erratic operations have also led to the quick deterioration of several stations.