by Aerol John Pateña/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is eyeing to complete the development of the Pasig River Ferry stations by mid- 2020.
“I am very pleased that the Pasig River Ferry Terminal development project will now push through, thanks to the efforts of the PPA (Philippine Ports Authority) and the local government of Manila,” Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said during the launch of the development project in Santa Ana, Manila on Wednesday.
The project, a joint initiative between the DOTr and PPA, aims to rehabilitate the current stations, where passengers take a ferry to cross the river.
The DOTr and PPA intend to start the rehabilitation works soon and add four more stations in the future.
DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Fernando Juan Perez said the rehabilitation of the stations will encourage the public to use the major waterway as a means to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
“Every day, almost a thousand Filipinos, particularly those who are part of the working class of our country, primarily depend on the transportation offered by ‘bangkas’ here in Sta. Ana. We believe that this project is very important and timely, since the DOTr is currently making ways to efficiently use our inland waters as a means of transportation to ease up congestion on our roads,” Perez said.
The DOTr and PPA are looking to establish an interprovincial transportation system from Metro Manila to Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, and Bataan utilizing the Pasig River.
Currently, “bangkas” transports commuters across the Pasig River from one station to another in less than a minute and 30 seconds for PHP4.
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