DOTC eyes ferry transport system from Metro Manila to nearby provinces

Children dive into the water of Manila Bay in Pasay City to beat off the scorching summer heat. Summer is officially here and it comes a little early than usual this year with the PAGASA recorded 34.5 Celsius temperature in the Metro. When summer peaks in May, temperatures could rise as high as 39 degrees Celsius or even 39.2 degrees Celsius.fle FILE PHOTO BY RICHARD REYES

MANILA, Philippines – Tired of polluted, noisy, hot, and congested roads? Commuters may soon experience a leisurely and relaxing trip via Metro Manila’s waterways as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is looking at a ferry transportation system.

DOTC is set to bid out to research groups a feasibility study of a Manila Bay-Pasig River-Laguna Lake (MAPALLA) Ferry System Project “which would connect Metro Manila to its neighboring provinces through major waterways,” it said in a statement.

“The project would benefit approximately 9.6 million residents in Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Rizal and Bataan provinces,” it said.

“These highly populated areas, which are home to close to one tenth of the country’s total population, relies heavily on land transportation, resulting in traffic congestion, especially in many parts of the metropolis,” it added.

The feasibility study has an approved budget of P25.2 million. DOTC said it would implement a transparent procurement program for the bidding.

The ferry system will provide an alternative transport using the many waterways in and around the National Capital Region such as the Manila Bay, Pasig River, and Laguna Lake.

Interested groups may submit eligibility documents up to October 12 at the headquarters of the DOTC, it said.

“The shortlist shall consist of five prospective bidders who will be entitled to submit bids,” DOTC said.

“The criteria and rating system for shortlisting will be based on the firms’ experience and track record, qualification of personnel to be assigned, and current workload relative to their capacity,” it added.

The study should be completed within three months of awarding contract awarding, DOTC said.