Dry run for revived Pasig Ferry transport a success

**Monseratto** · March 5th, 2014 04:34 PM

Seriously...would you ride that "thing" even if they make it free...???

March 5, 2014 7:19am

Metro Manila Development Authority's test run on Wednesday morning of the prototype ferry boat to be used for the revival of the Pasig River Ferry Service went on smoothly, a television report said.

A report on "Unang Hirit" said the dry run began at the old Guadalupe Station in Makati City to Escolta in Manila.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the agency is taking the first step operating the river transport system, even as negotiations with private operators are being done.

"Ang plano talaga natin dito ang MMDA [muna] ang mag-o-operate habang wala pang private operators," Tolentino said.

But he said, since the MMDA announced the plan to revive the ferry service, several private operators have shown interest in the project.

"Mula nung sinabi natin 'yan [revival of the river ferry], maraming nag-show ng interest. Maging 'yung naluging operator noon gusto na ring mag-operate. So, ang lalabas dito siguro ang sisimulan natin ang missionary route from Rockwell to Escolta in Manila," Tolentino said.

Moreover, he said the MMDA will meet with the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission to set the operational guidelines.

"Pag-uusapan sa meeting kung magkano ang pamasahe, kailan magre-renovate ng mga stations at ilan 'yung mag-take ng initiative," he said.

Due to the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, partly because of the ongoing road projects, including the Skyway 3 extension that would connect the South Superhighway and the North Luzon Expressway, the MMDA has set its eyes on the revival of the ferry service along sections of the Pasig River.

Citing some information, the report said the ferry transport has been stopped for years as it became unsustainable because the boats used were too big for relatively few commuters patronizing the river transport mode.

Tolentino however, expressed confidence the revival of the river ferry could be sustained as it will be using small boats that could accommodate up to 50 passengers. — Luis B. Gorgonio/KG, GMA News

**madduck** · March 5th, 2014 04:46 PM

what happened to the previous ferries? they were nice. I've tried it before, may mga tourists pa nga kami nakasabay with tour guide pa.
pano yung mga sinirang stations, gagawa ulit?

**K.I.L.L.** · March 5th, 2014 04:53 PM

Why does it look like one of those small buses? I'm afraid to say that it looks like a floating monstrosity.

**chua_riwap** · March 5th, 2014 04:55 PM

while the trip is faster than taking the usual bus/jeepney ride, pag summer at kulay itim na yung pasig river, ang baho ng tubig. tiisin mo amoy while riding the ferry.

mas malaki yung mga boats noon kesa yung pinakita sa unang hirit this morning.

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**xninjax** · March 5th, 2014 05:08 PM

Floating coffins

**ghosthunter** · March 5th, 2014 05:39 PM

Hay naku. Pride of the pinoy people, making whatever from someone else's garbage.

Now we know what will happen to the old dilapidated buses that are retired from the road...