MMDA opens new Pasig ferry station

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced yesterday that commuter ferry boats along Pasig River will open today the fifth boat station near the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, to accommodate the thousands of students who will troop to various schools and universities in Metro Manila during the opening of classes.

Beth Espino of the MMDA’s planning office, said there are currently four ferry boats stations at the Pasig River.

Espino said commuters may take their ferry boat ride at the Escolta-Sta. Ana-Hulo in Mandaluyong and Guadalupe stations.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said he preferred the development of the ferry service to decongest the main thoroughfares and secondary roads in Metro Manila.

Fernando said the ferry boats give the commuters an alternative mode of transportation.

Espino said that the travel time from the Escolta boat station in Manila to Guadalupe in Makati is approximately 55 minutes at a fix rate of only P25 per passenger.

 “The fare in ferry boats are relatively less costly and more convenient compared to the regular passenger buses” Espino said.

Espino said the intervals of arrivals of ferry boats in stations is 35 minutes.

She said the ferry boats has a modern design made of fiber glass with two propellers, airconditioned and has a capacity of 150 persons.

At this early, however, commuters riding in ferry boats have complained of the unbearable foul odor coming from the Pasig River, which Fernando said are normal during the rainy season.

Fernando said commuters will initially smell the stench due to strong rains that will flush out the water coming from canals, creeks, esteros and ponds leading to Pasig River and its tributaries.

He said with the airconditioning facilities, the passengers will enjoy a more convenient and comfortable ride with minimal foul odor from the Pasig River.

“We had traced the problem from the domestic waste of the households disposing their toilet discards directly into the Pasig River,” Fernando  said.