Revival of Pasig River ferry pushed

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is also pushing for the revival of the Pasig River Ferry Service.

DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza said tapping the Pasig River as an alternative transport corridor will help decongest the land-based road network system of Metro Manila.

"We need to provide alternative routes to alleviate the traffic gridlock here in Metro Manila. We, in government, see the development of water highways as a viable solution to this problem. Hence, one of our priority projects is to revive the Pasig River ferry system," Mendoza said in a statement.

The DOTC is joined by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), in a tripartite effort for the ferry system revival.

"This is the third attempt to revive the ferry system. We are carefully studying the matter to come up with solutions to the difficulties experienced from the first two attempts of the previous administrations," Mendoza added.

It was learned that DOTC, MMDA and PRRC have conducted three consultations to fine-tune the strategy to ensure the success of the project.

DOTC Undersecretary for Water Transportation Agustin Bengzon, the designated representative of Secretary Mendoza to the PRRC, said several companies have signified their intention to provide the ferry service.

"We have already talked with some industry players about the plan to review the Ferry Service System on the Pasig River, and they have welcomed the consultations," Bengzon said. – Rainier Allan Ronda