Pasig ferry free rides extended until February 29

PASIG , Philippines — Free rides at the Pasig River ferry service are extended until the end of the month, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced yesterday.

 The MMDA, which operates the ferry service, said the extension of the free rides aims to entice more patrons.

“We are overwhelmed by the interest of the public in the ferry service as well as the local governments’ support for the project. People are enjoying its benefits as a fast and convenient mode of transportation in Metro Manila,” MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said in a statement.

The MMDA started giving free rides when the Pasig River ferry service was relaunched last December.

The free rides were supposed to end yesterday.

The MMDA said more commuters are using the ferry service to avoid traffic congestion in the metropolis.

Data showed that an average of 700 to 1,000 passengers ride the Pasig River ferry daily.

To date, Lim said the ferry service has a fleet of seven boats.

He said improvements would be done to the facilities of the ferries soon.

Lim added they are planning to build three more ferry stations: Quinta Market in Manila, Circuit, Makati and Kalawaan in Pasig City to expand its operations.

He said mayors in Metro Manila and private entities have committed to provide additional boats.