According to Dano Tingcungco’s report on “24 Oras,” several commuters have been taking the ferry as a substitute to what is considered “traditional” methods of public transportation– light rail, buses and jeepneys since they consider the waterborne system faster, cheaper and more convenient.
“Kasi ‘pag nag-LRT o MRT ka siksikan. Tipid na sa oras, tipid pa sa pamasahe,” said Maria Conchita Tizon, a commuter who says her travel time has been halved
(When you take the LRT or MRT, it’s too crowded. [The Pasig Ferry] saves you time and money.)
“Sa ferry kasi, wala po tayong mga intersections na madadaanan. So, kumbaga para lang tumitigil lang po yung biyahe natin kung may closure sa Malacanang area atsaka yung passenger checks ng Coast Guard sa may Pureza atsaka sa may Arroceros,” said Romy Niñalga, Pasig River Ferry Service Head.
(On the ferry, we don’t have to pass through intersections. Our trip only stops if there is a closure in the Malacanang area or when the Coast Guard conducts passenger checks at Pureza or Arroceros.)
For faster and safer trips, Coast Guard personnel are now assigned to every ferry.
“Medyo male-lessen ‘yung biyahe sapagkat pag Coast Guard po kasi yung kasama dun sa bangka, maiiwasan na po natin ‘yung checking dun sa may parteng Pureza na minsan ay gumugugugol din ng lima hangang sampung minuto,” he added.
(Having someone from the Coast Guard on the ferry will make the trips faster since we can avoid the passenger checks in Pureza that usually takes five to 10 minutes.)
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the Pasig River Ferry is a welcome addition to commuters, especially during the Christmas season.
“Kailangan po natin ‘yan particularly ngayong panahon ng kapaskuhan dahil marami po ang sasakay sa ating ferry boats,” said Crisanto Saruca, Officer In Charge, MMDA-MPSO.
(We need (the ferry) particularly during the holidays since a lot of people ride our boats.)
—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News
