THE PASIG City government has formally turned over its two ferry boats to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which will be added to the existing fleet for the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS). “Improved facilities, more boats, information dissemination, and consistency will make the PRFS ridership increase and even double in number,” Mayor Victor “Vico” N. Sotto said during Wednesday’s signing of the memorandum of agreement. The donated boats, M/B Mutya ng Pasig 1 and 2, are 57-seater vessels. “The two boats donated to the PRFS by the City of Pasig is surely a big help to continually give the best service to our passengers,” MMDA Chairman Danilo D. Lim said. Since the PRFS relaunch in December last year, there has been an average of 700 to 1,000 passengers daily, according to MMDA, with limited boats in operation and not all 14 ferry stops in operation. Undersecretary Frisco San Juan, Jr., MMDA deputy chairman and PRFS head, said other local government in Metro Manila have pledged support to the service. The Manila City government has promised to donate two boats while San Juan City plans to offer free shuttle service to the station during rush hour to encourage commuters to take the ferry service. Mr. San Juan said the Office of the President will also be giving two boats. In January, Senator Juan Edgardo M. Angara said a P176 million budget has been allocated for the purchase of four boats for PRFS. The MMDA earlier announced that the ferry ride will remain free until the end of March.

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