MMDA to expand Pasig River ferry service

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is eyeing to expand the Pasig River ferry service next year after having provided service to more than 233,000 passengers this year.

MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes yesterday said three ferries with a capacity to carry 150 passengers each will be added to the current fleet to meet the demand for an alternative mode of transport in the metropolis.

The MMDA currently operates nine ferry boats for the Pasig River ferry service in 13 stations in the cities of Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong and Manila.

These stations are located at Pinagbuhatan, San Joaquin, Maybunga, and Kalawaan in Pasig, Guadalupe and Valenzuela in Makati, Hulo in Mandaluyong, and Sta. Ana, PUP, Lawton, Escolta, Lambingan, and Quinta in Manila.

“We will be acquiring additional boats because we can see that our kababayans are now patronizing the Pasig River ferry service,” Artes said adding the ferry service is a convenient and traffic-free mode of public transport.

Data provided by the agency showed that from January to November this year, 233,360 passengers used the ferry service, compared to 149,574 in the same period in 2022, or an increase of 56 percent.

Artes said the agency has inked an agreement with the Philippine Coast Guard to enhance the ferry service and revitalize the Pasig River.

Under the agreement signed last week, the MMDA will handle all administrative and office matters of the ferry service. It will also utilize its rescue boats for disaster-related activities under its public safety mandate for Metro Manila commuters.

The PCG will provide personnel to man the ferry terminals and its boats to ensure maritime safety and security for the commuters.

Artes said repairs of the Sta. Mesa PUP and Escolta stations are ongoing.