MMDA launches ferry service

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched its ferry service along the Pasig River yesterday morning.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino led the launch of the ferry service at the Guadalupe terminal in Makati City at about 7 a.m.

Five ferries, including the MMDA’s “bus river ferry,” ferried passengers to and from the Guadalupe terminal and the Pinagbuhatan terminal in Pasig City.

Tolentino said the ferry service will be offering free rides for one week. The ferries were supposed to dock at the terminals in Sta. Mesa, Escolta and Plaza Mexico, all in Manila. However, he said the ferries were not allowed to dock at the three terminals because of the visit of US President Barack Obama.

According to Tolentino, the ferries, which will operate from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.,  will serve all five terminals starting tomorrow. None of the ferries are air-conditioned, the MMDA said.