Free Pasig River ferry rides tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines - The public may ride the Pasig River ferries for free tomorrow as the country observes National Heroes Day, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced yesterday.

According to the MMDA, ridership on the ferry service has increased since its launch last April.

MMDA planning officer Rey Lunas said ferry ridership has increased to an average of 200 passengers daily with the opening of the Sta. Ana, Manila ferry station last June 27. The ferry service operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Each ferry can carry a maximum of 30 passengers. Ferries pick up and unload passengers at six ferry stations along the Pasig River from Pasig City to Manila.  

At present, the ferry service has six stations: Guadalupe (Makati City), Pinagbuhatan, (Pasig City); Escolta, and PUP Sta. Mesa, Plaza Mexico and Sta. Ana (Manila). Passengers are charged between P30 and P50 depending on the distance traveled.

Lunas said the MMDA plans to open another terminal at San Joaquin in Pasig City.