MANILA, Philippines - Starting June 1, the Pasig River ferry service will extend its operating hours to accommodate more passengers, especially students going back to school, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said on Friday.
MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the ferry boats will operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Off-peak hours or lunch break period, meanwhile, will be shortened from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to 12 noon to 2 p.m.
"The Pasig River ferry service will now operate whole day as private boat operators will fully take over the project on June 1," Tolentino said.
By June 2, an additional discount of 20 percent will be given to loyal passengers who will purchase in advance at least 10 tickets. This is on top of the regular 20 percent discount given to senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Tolentino said they hope to encourage the public to patronize the river ferry service.
Free rides were also given to passengers buying school supplies in Divisoria via the Escolta station, until May 24.
The ferry service, which resumed last April, has routes from Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City to Intramuros in Manila with two more stations -- Sta. Ana, Manila and San Joaquin, Pasig City.