REALIZING the need for more transportation with the increasing number of commuters because of the reopening of businesses, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has decided to help by opening the new Kalawaan Station for the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) to draw more commuters in Pasig City to this alternative mode of transport six weeks away from Christmas.
The addition of the Kalawaan Station, located at N. Cuevas Street and with entrance near the Kalawaan Bridge in Pasig City, has brought the total number of ferry stations ready to provide service for commuters to a total of 12.
According to MMDA chairman Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr., the role of the ferry service is critical this time since public transportation in Metro Manila is not yet normal and as seen in the past days, the number of public land transport is simply not enough to cope with the influx of more people traveling to their destinations either for work or essential needs.
“The Pasig River Ferry Service is one of the solutions to the problems in public transportation,” Abalos enthused even as he added that the ferry has been developed to provide a fast, smooth, reliable and affordable nautical transport system to help decongest road traffic in Metro Manila.
The former Mandaluyong City mayor announced that two more stations—Quinta and Marikina—are also expected to open soon.
“We want to serve residents of San Mateo and other parts of Rizal. This will be our new gateway, not just to address traffic, but also keep intact the rich cultural heritage of the Pasig River,” he pointed out.
The PRFS serves an average of 300-440 passengers a day and currently, the ferry service has a total of 17 ferry boats with nine operational. Rides are still free for commuters.
