To entice more passengers, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Pasig City local government signed a memorandum of agreement as the city officially turned over its ferry boats donation to be added to the existing fleet of MMDA operated Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS).
The two 57-seater ferry boats, M/B Mutya ng Pasig 1 and 2, are equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to ensure the safety of passengers. It also has overhead electric fans for ventilation and toilet room.
MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said he is grateful for the act of generosity by the Pasig City government, through the initiative of Mayor Vico Sotto.
“The two boats donated to the PRFS by the City of Pasig is surely a big help to continually give the best service to our passengers,” Lim said in the MOA signing held at San Joaquin Ferry Station today.
Sotto is confident that through their donated boats, the goal to increase ridership will be met.
“Improved facilities, more boats, information dissemination, and consistency will make the PRFS ridership increase and even double in number,” he said.
Since its relaunch in December last year, the average number of passengers riding the ferry daily is at 700 to 1,000.
MMDA Deputy Chairman and PRFS Head Undersecretary Frisco San Juan, Jr. said that other LGUs and the Office of the President pledged boat donations in support of the project.
According to him, the Office of the President, through the help of President Rodrigo Duterte’s friends and the Manila City government each pledged two boats as donation for the ferry service. The MMDA, meanwhile, will procure four more boats to be added to the existing eight boat fleet.
San Juan also proposed for a free shuttle ride by the Pasig LGU to the station during rush hour to promote the ferry service.
The MMDA earlier announced that the ferry ride will remain free until the end of March.
Meanwhile, plans for the proposed additional ferry stations in Kalawaan, also in Pasig, Circuit Makati in Makati, and Quinta Market in Manila is already underway.
