Mactan Channel ferry line formally opened

CEBU, Philippines —  A commercial ferry line has been formally opened in Lapu-Lapu City to serve commuters seeking to cross the Mactan Channel.

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting for Topline Express was held at the Mactan Wharf behind Island Central Mall in Barangay Ibo. The guest of honor was former president and incumbent House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Also present during the ribbon-cutting were Topline Express CEO Eugene Eric Lim, Vice President for Operations Brigette Lim Mueller, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, and Binibining Cebu 2018 Steffi Aberasturi.

Aside from formally launching the Topline Express, Mueller said that they also launched the Top Card which will be used as a ticket for those who want to ride the ferry.

This type of card, Mueller explained, costs P999 for 30 days, P599 for 15 days, P299 for seven days and P49 good for 1 day. Once purchased from their ticketing booth, its use will be unlimited going in and out of the city.

The use of Top Cards will be implemented on February 1 yet. Each card can only be used individually, according to Mueller.

Mueller said their daily operations are from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Mactan Wharf and Pier 3 in Cebu City. Within a day each of its two vessels crosses the channel 32 times. Each vessel has a carrying capacity of 200 passengers.

The Topline Express started their operations last year and tickets were sold at P25 each.

During her speech, Arroyo said that the new ferry will be very convenient and meaningful for the public commuters.

"Today, it is there to decongest traffic, especially for the Cebu residents who work in the Mactan Economic (Processing) Zone. This will cut travel time by about two-thirds. One hour before, now to be 20 minutes to come from Cebu to MEPZA," she said.

Land Transportation Office-7 Regional Director Victor Caindec said the Topline Express has helped relieve the current traffic situation.

"Kani siya, one step in the right direction in a sense na this will bring option for people not to use their cars," he said, adding that if there will be less cars on the road, there will be no more heavy traffic.

Other existing wharves that cater to ferry commuters can be found in Barangays Poblacion, Agus, and in Punta Engaño. — BRP (FREEMAN)