Cavite-Manila Ferry boasts 20-minute one-way travel time

The new Cavite-Manila Ferry Service boasts a 20-minute one-way travel time that significantly cuts down the usual three to four-hour travel time by road transport, according to a Monday report by Marisol Abdurahman on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho.

The ferry boat, which offers a 28-person seating capacity, docks at the Cavite City Port Terminal and at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Port and Bonifacio Square (Lawton Plaza).

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier announced that rides will be free until January next year. 

Freshman college student Kaizer Pradel, who lives in Cavite but commutes to his school in Pasay every day, said the new ferry service will help him reclaim his time.

“Hindi na po hassle sa oras. Marami na pong magagawa sa school at saka mas marami na ring magagawa sa bahay.”

However, the fare after January 2020 is expected to cost P200 per ride.

Senator Bong Go said he has appealed to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Danilo Lim to study more affordable rates.

Meanwhile, the Pasig River Ferry also resumed its operations after it was stalled for months due to water hyacinths and trash blocking the way.

Commuters can avail of the ferry service for free until the end of January 2020.

“Lilinisin namin 'yung kalagayan ng Pasig river nang sa ganon, 'yung pagbiyahe at pagbagtas sa Pasig river ay maging kaaya-aya, malinis at walang amoy at walang disturbance,” Tugade said.

The ferry service will run through 11 stations from Barangay Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City until Escolta Street in Manila.

One end-to-end trip is expected to last between 45 minutes and one hour.

There are currently seven ferry boats available for use.

“Magiging malaking tulong talaga ito sa Pasig, lalo na ang Pasig daanan po talaga,” Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto said.