Australian firm wins Pasig ferry service contract

Boats similar to those which operate in Sydney, Australia will soon be seen cruising along the 27-kilometer Pasig River.

An Australian-based ferry service operator was awarded the exclusive rights to operate light sea vessels along the Pasig in a marathon bidding held at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) building in Makati City yesterday.

Nautical Transport Services (NTS) will begin fielding its boats by February next year, starting with five units.

NTS won the bidding after its fare proposal of P2.25 per kilometer proved to be the fairest of all bids submitted.

NTS beat the bids of Mt. Samat Ferry and Metro Star Ferry, which also failed to submit an approved board standard specification and bank-approved credit lines.

"NTS appeared to know the business very well. They were probably the most competent of the bidders, having ties with the ferry system in Australia," MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said.

"We hope the company will give the public its best service. We hope they recover their investment," he added making the crowd laugh a little.

Robert Scott Cole of NTS vowed to bring in world-class boats into the country which can run up to a speed of 22 knots.

The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) shall fund the construction of 14 initially identified ferry stations and will shoulder other expenses like ticketing, security, air-conditioning and handicapped lifts.

The new Pasig River Ferry Service Project aims to provide an alternative transport system which will further decongest road traffic in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The new ferry service is expected to run through the Pasig River, the Marikina River, the Laguna de Bay and the Manila Bay.