By Alfred Vargas
Traffic. It is part of every conversation I encounter each day whether with constituents or friends, and is almost always partnered with a deep sigh of exasperation, infuriation and powerlessness. It is also the timeless, classic excuse for being late.
While much has been said about the impending emergency powers the Administration may execute to fix the traffic, there is one mode of transportation that has not been fully tapped but can be very useful in helping ease the dire traffic situation in the metropolis.
The Pasig River Ferry System
Land traffic is inescapable. Air traffic is also looming. But have you ever heard of heavy traffic in a body of water? Probably not, because traffic will always be flowing, no pun intended.
This dawned on me upon taking a tour of the Pasig River before the budget deliberations in Congress (as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, one of the specific agencies assigned for me to defend is the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission or PRRC).
Interestingly enough, it is supposed to be one of the solutions to the traffic congestion in Metro Manila. But unfortunately, only a few commuters know about this. Some officials do not even know its existence. So out of curiosity and in line with my Congressional duties, I decided to try it myself.
Let me share my enjoyable water commute with you
The terminal was difficult to locate for a first-timer like me. It was small but clean. I paid only P40.00 for my ticket. The line was short. And only a few people boarded with me for the direct trip to the Escolta station in Manila.
Pasig River is roughly the length of Edsa. It is the only straight route going east to west across Metro Manila. The river runs through five popular cities. These are Taguig, Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong and Manila. The Ferry system has 11 of the 17 proposed stations operational. These are Plaza Mexico, Escolta, Lawton, PUP, Sta. Ana, Lambingan, Valenzuela, Hulo, Guadalupe, San Joaquin and Pinagbuhatan.
Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised at how my Valenzuela-Escolta Ferry ride turned out. Pasig River is not the same filthy, pungent, polluted river anymore that it has always been reputed to be, thanks to the efforts of PRRC, MMDA, the LGUs and other environmental groups through the years.
Although there is still a lot to be done, the improvements are noteworthy. The water is clean. The air has a hint of freshness. There is greenery left and right. There are different species of fish and birds. The speed of the ferry was just right. The crew members were polite and professional. The view was remarkable as we passed by the Makati skyline, Arroceros Park, Malacanang Palace and the Post Office. The ride was relaxing. But for me, the most gratifying was… there was no traffic at all.
What improvements can be made? Perhaps more boats and more accessible stations in better locations with intermodal transport features. Of course, let’s not forget the most important thing: a bigger budget for the years to come. The Pasig River Ferry System, if it becomes successful, may serve as one of the simple solutions to one of the most complex urban governance problems that we call TRAFFIC.
My Pasig River experience reminded me of my ferry rides in Hong Kong and Paris. It may be not as spectacular, but given the right vision, program, funding, and public and private sector support, the Pasig River may once again be the magnificent, gorgeous river where vibrant businesses, cultures and commerce flow, as beautifully described by Jose Rizal in his works.
Acknowledgments: MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos, MMDA Assistant General Manager Julia Nebrija, and PRRC Executive Director Ramil Tan.
