MMDA extends Pasig River Ferry operating hours

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday announced that it is extending the operating hours of the Pasig River ferry system starting December 1 to accommodate more passengers, particularly people going to Divisoria and Escolta in Manila for their holiday shopping.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said the Pasig River ferry will operate from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. or an additional hour from the previous schedule.

"We are doing this in anticipation of the Christmas rush. I am optimistic this will help ease traffic jams, specifically in areas where shopping malls and bazaars are located," Tolentino said.  

The operating hours of the ferry system will also be further extended starting December 16, the start of the traditional "Simbang Gabi", to service passengers who will attend masses at the Sta. Ana and Sta. Cruz churches in Manila. 

"The ferries will start its operations as early as 4 a.m by December 16 to offer traffic-less transportation to churchgoers," Tolentino said. 

To date, the Pasig River ferry system has nine boats which can accommodate a maximum of 30 passengers each. Fare ranges from P30 to P50 depending on the distance traveled.

The ferry service, which was revived last April, has six stations from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Intramuros in Manila.