Pasig River ferry makes comeback bid with MMDA prototype

MANILA, Philippines—For its latest reincarnation, the Pasig River ferry returns as a hybrid between a boat and bus.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to test on Wednesday a prototype of the ferry it wishes to offer commuters as an alternative mode of transport amid worsening traffic conditions in the capital.

Reviving a service that had been on and off for the past two decades, MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino on Tuesday said he would lead Wednesday morning’s trial run starting from the old Guadalupe ferry station in Makati City up to Escolta in Manila.

The MMDA said it had developed a prototype out of a tug boat fitted with the seats of a bus and capable of carrying up to 40 people.

Tolentino said talks were being held between government agencies and private companies interested in giving the Pasig ferry service another try, after earlier ventures failed to last due to financial losses, with the latest operator shutting down in 2011.

The earlier operations were also plagued by passenger complaints about the long waiting time at the terminals and the river’s foul smell, among others.

In an interview with reporters, Tolentino said the service could be revived not just by one but “four or five companies, so I’m seeing more water taxis.”

He said the MMDA, the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, and the Department of Transportation and Communications were the agencies that would approve the franchises and licenses of companies operating the ferries.

Citing the river’s potential in reducing vehicle and pedestrian volume in the streets, the MMDA chair said the waterway had the “equivalent to 10 road lanes.”