MMDA reports increase in Pasig River ferry ridership

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has noted an increase in the agency’s Pasig River ferry service’s ridership since its launch last April.

MMDA planning officer Rey Lunas said the ferry ridership increased from 1,000 passengers to 2,000 following the opening of the Sta. Ana, Manila ferry station last June 27.

Lunas said the ferry service has at least 200 passengers daily. The ferry service operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Each ferry can carry a maximum of 30 passengers. Ferries pick-up and unload passengers from six ferry stations along the Pasig River from Pasig City to Manila.  

At present, the ferry service has six stations: Guadalupe (Makati City), Pinagbuhatan, (Pasig City); Escolta, and PUP Sta. Mesa, Plaza Mexico and Sta. Ana (Manila). Passengers are charged between P30 and P50 depending on the distance travelled.

Meanwhile, Lunas said the MMDA plans to open another terminal at San Joaquin in Pasig City.

Lunas said trash and flotsam like water lilies on the river continue to hamper operations of the ferries as they get caught on the propellers.

The MMDA had earlier proposed the revival of the Pasig River system as a means to decongest Metro Manila’s major roads affected by the ongoing 15 road projects across Metro Manila. A similar private ferry service along the Pasig River went out of business in 2011.