MMDA: Free ferry rides for Divisoria shoppers

MANILA, Philippines - For three Saturdays, starting today, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will give free rides on its Pasig River ferries to shoppers going to Divisoria to buy school supplies.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the special free ride is from Guadalupe, Makati City to Escolta, Manila, the nearest route to Divisoria. The special ferry service will only be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and on May 17 and 24.

“It will only be for three Saturdays to help parents go to Divisoria without hassle and at the same time reduce traffic congestion along roadways bound to and from Divisoria,” Tolentino said.

The Pasig River ferry service, which started operating last April 28, is on its second week of providing free rides to commuters.

The ferry currently operates only on weekdays, stopping at the Guadalupe, Makati; Pinagbuhatan, Pasig; and Escolta, Manila terminals. Each passenger is insured for P250,000.

Free coffee and pandesal are also served to passengers at the terminals.

Tolentino earlier proposed the revival of the ferry service as a means to decongest Metro Manila’s major roads affected by 15 road construction projects being implemented over the next two years, including the Skyway Stage 3.

The MMDA said the fare schedule for the ferry service could be set by the end of this month. The agency earlier said the fare for the ferry ride could be between P25 and P50.