Ferry service starting earlier as Yule nears

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The daily schedule of the Pasig River ferry system will soon have an earlier start to accommodate more passengers during the holiday season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Thursday.

Starting Dec. 1, the ferry service will open at 5 a.m. (an hour earlier than the regular run) but will still end at 6 p.m., according to MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino.

On Dec. 16, operations will start as early as 4 a.m. especially for the benefit of riders who wish to go to church for the traditional dawn Masses (Simbang Gabi).

Revived by the MMDA in April, the ferry system currently covers seven stations—Guadalupe in Makati City; San Joaquin and Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City; and Escolta, PUP Sta. Mesa, Plaza Mexico and Sta. Ana in Manila—with the fares ranging from P30 to P50.