More Cebuanos are expected to take the 15-minute riverboats ride down the Mactan Channel as an alternative to jeepneys when repairs on Marcelo Fernan Bridge start on June 4.
“I prefer riding riverboats to jeepneys – no traffic,” said 38-year-old Mary Jane Latusa of Cebu City, a regular passenger.
The small steel-hulled vessels which carry 90 to 300 passengers ply daily routes from Cebu City’s Pier 1 to Muelle Osmeña in Lapu-Lapu City from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A ticket costs P14 while the fee is lower at P8 for students and senior citizens.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has advised the public in Cebu mainland and Mactan to schedule trips across the bridge two hours ahead of time because of expected delays when four-lane traffic is affected by repairs.
One lane will be closed at a time for repairs that will run until August 30.
“We are always ready if the number of passengers will increase,”said Samuel Siazar, purchasing man of Metro Ferry Inc.
He said when news of the Fernan Bridge repairs came out early this month, they noticed a spike in passenger volume. The number, however, returned to normal when the repair date was postponed from May to June 4, which coincides with the opening of classes.
On a normal day, Metro Ferry deploys four of its fleet of seven riverboats to service around 2,000 passengers.
Passengers with baggage pay an additional P12 or P14 if they need assistance in carrying their baggage.
“We only want the best for the passengers. That’s why we don’t allow overloading in the riverboats so that the passengers will be comfortable,” Siazar said.
He assured the public of the seaworthiness of their vessels.
“We always check the condition of the riverboat before we allow the driver to use it. We also put life jackets inside the boat in case of emergency,” Siazar added.
A regular riverboat passenger Juliet Apyor said she prefers the trip across the water to crowded highways.
“It’s more comfortable to ride riverboats because I can avoid the hassle of riding two jeepneys before I reach my destination,” she said.
Trips gers at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.