'MMDA gets new boat for Pasig River Ferry System'

The administration is still trying to give alternative options for the common Metro Manila commuter.

Denied of the necessary emergency powers that could have hasten the relief of traffic in the metro, the government had to do what is there to move into.

A welcome relief is the addition of new ferries for its Pasig River Ferry System (PRFS) of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) after signing of a cooperation agreement between the agency and new telecommunications player Dito Telecommunity.

The new 150-seater catamaran loaned by Dito Telecommunity to the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) as part of its support to the government initiative to revive the river as a transportation system. The new ferry is airconditioned, with free WiFi, television, and is capable of cruising at 24 knots.
(PNA)

The purchase of the 150-seater twin-hull catamaran and subsequent loan of the vessel to the ferry service marked the first time a private company joined the initiative to make Pasig River a viable transportation mode in Metro Manila said MMDA Deputy Chairman, Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr. during the press conference at the Guadalupe Ferry station in Makati City.

“This day is a milestone kasi nga (because) this is the first in the private sector to join the initiative launched by the Office of the President,” San Juan said.

The new ferry is capable of seating 150 people, with a maximum load of 200 passengers.
(PNA)

The said vessel is set to be available for service in the next two or three weeks after the MMDA completes route planning for the new ferry and other requirements.

Dito purchased the said ferries from the Nautical Transport Service, Inc. (NTSI), he said two more of the same type of vessel would be added to the current fleet of the PRFS in the next two to three weeks after other private entities pledged to help in the revival of the maritime transport network.

The 150-seater twin-hull catamaran is powered by twin diesel engines capable of producing a total of 700 horsepower, is also airconditioned for the comfort of its passengers—up to 200 with some standing passengers—, with free WiFi, a television, and is capable of cruising at 24 knots (about 44 kilometers per hour).

MMDA said the transport fee will be cheaper compared in the past to continue to encourage commuters to patronize the mass transport system.

“We will formulate a minimal fee para lang sa maintenance ng actual boats at para magaan sa bulsa ng mga mananakay (just for the maintenance of the actual boats and to make sure it’s cost-effective for commuters),” San Juan said.

What can you say about the article?

Share us your thoughts by simply leaving on the comment section below. For more news updates, feel free to visit our site often.

Stay updated with today's relevant news and trends by hitting the LIKE button.

Thanks for dropping by and reading this post.

Report from PNA