MANILA, Philippines — As part of reviving the Pasig River ferry system, the Pasig City Traffic and Parking Management Office said Friday (22 November 2019) it is increasing the number of boats that will serve commuters.

Two boats capable of carrying loads of 57 people will be added accordingly and these are MV Gem of Pasig 1 and MV Mutya of Pasig 2.

According to Bryan Wong, head of Pasig City Traffic and Parking “the two new boats of the Pasig River Ferry System are expected to run by next month in time for the Holidays.

“Kami naman natutuwa because it will decongest Pinagbuhatan going to Escolta (Manila). So imbes na mag-jeep, mapapabilis yung biyahe nila,” Wong said in an ABS-CBN News interview.

Last night, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto bragged about the performance of Pasig 1’s MV Mutya, which he posted in a tweet.

“MMDA ang nagpapatakbo ng Pasig River Ferry, kaso kulang ang barko. Sotto said.

“Dahil dito, nakikipag-ugnayan ang Pasig City sa MMDA para sa pagpaplano ng pagpapatakbo nito,” he added.

Last week, Mayor Vico also made it public that each boat costs P15 million, which the previous Pasig administration bought.

The city is also in talks with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to regulate terminals in Pinagbuhatan, Maybunga and elsewhere in Pasig.

They’re also looking forward to build a terminal on the borders of San Juan, Marikina and Makati, Wong said.

He assured that the first ferry rides would be free, although the schedule for the trips was still pending. (Gelica Paulo/IAMIGO/CNS)