The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced on Friday that the free ride to the Pasig River Ferry Service is extended for another one month.
“We are happy to hear that people are enjoying the ferry ride going to their destinations and commuting by ferry have become a way of life to Metro Manila residents. That is why we are extending the free ride until March 31,” said MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim.
Lim said the ferry service accommodates an average of 700-1,000 passengers a day, a sign that people opt to use the ferry service as an alternative mode of transportation to the already congested Metro Manila road network.
Anticipating an increase in the number of passengers, MMDA deputy chairman Frisco San Juan Jr., said more ferry boats will be added and ferry stations will be put up soon to better serve the public with the support of both national and local government units of Metro Manila.
“I am optimistic that our future plans will further boost the ferry’s commuter patronage,” said San Juan.
San Juan said local government officials in the National Capital Region and private entities have pledged to provide additional boats.
Also, there are plans to construct three more ferry stations, namely: Quinta Market in Manila, Circuit Makati in Makati, and Kalawaan in Pasig to further expand the operations are also underway. Some private groups have also expressed their intention to put up their own ferry stations to serve their immediate areas.
At present, the PRFS has eight boats which can accommodate varying number of passengers.
Aimed to help address the traffic problem in Metro Manila, the relaunch of PRFS has the backing of President Rodrigo Duterte who approved a proposal to institutionalize the Pasig River Ferry Convergence Program, which include adding more stations for the ferry system.
The ferry service runs from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Escolta in Manila, with 11 stations: Pinagbuhatan, San Joaquin and Maybunga in Pasig City; Guadalupe, Valenzuela in Makati City; Hulo in Mandaluyong City; and Lambingan, Sta. Ana, PUP, Lawton, Escolta in Manila City.
