MMDA eyes expansion of Pasig River ferry service

Encouraged by the robust demand of commuters, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) plans to expand the operations of the Pasig River Ferry Service as an alternative mode of transportation.

In an interview on Dobol B TV on Saturday, MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said three 150-seater ferries are currently being registered with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) so these may be deployed for operations.

"Sa ngayon po nabigla kami. Lahat po ng biyahe namin puno. Mayroon pa ngang hindi makasakay," Artes said.

(We were surprised by the demand. All of our ferry trips are full. Sometimes the ferries cannot accommodate all the commuters.)

The MMDA said that ridership of the Pasig River Ferry Service has been steadily increasing, based on figures it has reported on social media.

From January to November 2023, total ridership was at 233,660 or 56% higher than the 149,574 tally during the same period last year.

"Next year po, mayroon pa tayong bibilhing mga bangka dahil nakikita po natin na talagang tinatangkilik na ng ating mga kababayan itong ang Pasig Ferry Service na kumbiniente, walang traffic, at mabilis po ang pagbiyahe. So ie-expand po natin ang service na 'yan sa pamamagitan ng pagdagdag ng mga bangka," Artes said.

(Additional boats will be purchased next year because we can see that our countrymen are really patronizing the Pasig Ferry Service as a convenient, traffic-free, and fast mode of transportation. So we will expand the service by purchasing additional boats.)

The ferry service has 13 stations: Pinagbuhatan, San Joaquin, Maybunga, Kalawaan, Guadalupe, Valenzuela, Hulo, Lambingan, Sta. Ana, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Lawton, Escolta, and Quinta.

The MMDA is currently looking to complete the remaining repair works on the ferry service stations.

"Nagawa na po natin lahat, mayroon na lang po na isa na ni-request na rin po namin sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways). Mayroon po tayong ferry terminal sa may Binondo na tinaman ng paggawa ng bridge ay hindi pa po naibalik. So nai-request na po natin na maibalik. 'Yung PUP-Sta. Mesa, ire-repair lamang po natin, may kaunti lang pong sira 'yun pong ferry station. At meron pa po tayong next year na gagawin sa may Pasig at isa sa Marikina."

(We have completed all of the repairs, except for one which we have requested the DPWH to address. We have a ferry terminal in Binondo which was damaged due to construction works on a bridge. This has yet to be returned to its original state. Some minor repairs will be made at the PUP Sta. Mesa station, while a station in Pasig and another in Marikina will be repaired next year.)

Artes said the MMDA was currently working closely with the Philippine Coast Guard for the operations of the ferry service, adding that its assistance has extended to repairs and improvements of vessels, and providing security.

In a recent interview, MMDA officials said the Pasig River Ferry Service has been a welcome addition to commuters, especially during the Christmas Season. — VDV, GMA Integrated News