MMDA extends free ferry service

MANILA, Philippines - Commuters get to enjoy free rides on the Pasig River ferry system for another week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the extension of the “Libreng Sakay” starting on May 5 will enable the agency and the proponents of the revived ferry system to fine-tune the operation.

“Public acceptance of our Pasig River ferry system is overwhelming. We are thankful that commuters now begin to realize the benefits of a fast and convenient transport system along Pasig River,” Tolentino said.

Launched last April 28, the river ferry operation has attracted at least 5,000 commuters. “In just a week, we have removed 5,000 commuters from land transport. This is a very big reduction in carbon footprint,” Tolentino said.

Next week, Tolentino said the MMDA will launch a new mobile application that will enable commuters to view the ferry schedule through their smartphones.

Tolentino earlier met with the Escolta Heritage Association, which has expressed its gratitude to the MMDA for reviving public interest in Escolta as a food tourism site.

Escolta is one of the ferry terminals revived by the MMDA.

For the meantime, the Pasig River ferry system serves the Guadalupe, Makati; Pinagbuhatan, Pasig; and Escolta, Manila routes. Each passenger is insured for P250,000.

Free coffee and pandesal are also served to passengers at the ferry terminals.

Tolentino earlier proposed the revival of the Pasig River system as a means to decongest Metro Manila’s major roads affected by 15 road construction projects being implemented in the next two years, including the Skyway Stage 3.