Pasig donates 2 boats to MMDA for river ferry line

The Pasig City government on Wednesday donated two 57-seater boats, bringing to 10 the total number of boats used by the Metropoalitan Manila Development Authority in its Pasig River Ferry Service program.

The brand new ferry boats—M/B Mutya ng Pasig 1 and 2—are equipped with closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, and overhead electric fans for ventilation and toilet room for the convenience of passengers.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said he is grateful for the generosity of the Pasig City government, through the initiative of Mayor Vico Sotto.

“The two boats donated to the PRFS by the City of Pasig is surely a big help to continually give the best service to our passengers,” said Lim who signed an agreement with Mayor Sotto and other city officials in a turnover ceremony held at San Joaquin Ferry Station.

Sotto is confident that through their donated boats, the goal to increase ridership will be met.

“Improved facilities, more boats, information dissemination, and consistency will make the PRFS ridership increase and even double in number,” he said.

Since its relaunch on December last year, the average number of passengers riding the ferry daily is at 700 to 1,000.

MMDA Deputy Chairman and PRFS Head Undersecretary Frisco San Juan, Jr. said that other LGUs and the Office of the President pledged boat donations in support of the project.

San Juan said the Office of the President, thru the help of President Rodrigo Duterte’s friends and the Manila City government each pledged two boats as donation for the ferry service. 

The MMDA, meanwhile, is set to acquire four more boats to be added to the existing fleet.

San Juan also proposed for a free shuttle ride by the Pasig LGU to the station during rush hour to promote the ferry service.

The MMDA earlier announced that the ferry ride will remain free until the end of March.

Meanwhile, plans for the proposed additional ferry stations in Kalawaan, also in Pasig, Circuit Makati in Makati, and Quinta Market in Manila is already underway.