Rides still free as MMDA reopens Pasig River ferry

MANILA, Philippines — Passengers looking for other transport options can now consider taking the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) which is reopening today, Aug. 3, for the first time since March.

The boats will operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays. Just like before, the rides will be free although passenger capacity will be limited to 50 percent in accordance with quarantine guidelines to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“We look forward to serving our passengers, compliant with the physical distancing policy and other health protocols to ensure their safety,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Danilo Lim said in a statement.

He added that all ferry stations and boats, including docking and maintenance facilities, had undergone mandatory disinfection.

The PRFS stations that will be open starting today are Pinagbuhatan, San Joaquin, Guadalupe, Valenzuela, Lawton and Escolta. The boats will ply the following routes: Pinagbuhatan to Guadalupe, Guadalupe to Escolta and vice versa, and Guadalupe to San Joaquin and vice versa.

Stickers and signs have been posted at all stations and on the boats to guide and remind passengers about health guidelines, according to Frisco San Juan Jr., MMDA deputy chair and ferry service head.

As in other forms of public transport, San Juan said riders would be required to wear masks at all times, while only people between 21 and 59 years old would be allowed on board.

All passengers would be required to undergo temperature checks and to fill out a manifest form.