The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the partial resumption of the operations of the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) starting Monday, August 3, adding that ferry passengers would continue to enjoy free rides.
“We are pleased to announce that everything is set for the partial resumption of the PRFS, but only half of its capacity, inclusive of ferry boat crew. Also, we will continue to provide free rides for the ferry passengers,” MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said. Ferry stations that will initially operate on Monday are Pinagbuhatan, San Joaquin, Guadalupe, Valenzuela, Lawton and Escolta.
Ferry service will operate Mondays to Saturdays from 6am to 6pm but at reduced 50% capacity, in accordance with IATF guidelines.
The ferry boat trip routes are as follows: Pinagbuhatan to Guadalupe, Guadalupe to Escolta and vice versa, and Guadalupe to San Joaquin and vice versa.
“We look forward to serving our passengers, compliant with the physical distancing policy and other health protocols to ensure their safety,” Lim stressed.
In preparation for the resumption of PRFS operations, all ferry stations and ferry boats, including docking and maintenance facilities, have undergone mandatory disinfection.
Floor markings, stickers and posters were placed at the ferry station to guide the passengers in observing physical distancing.
Moreover, according to Frisco San Juan Jr., MMDA Deputy Chairman and ferry service head, standard operating procedures has been set by the PRFS committee to further guide the passengers.
These include the following:
- No mask, no entry;
- Physical distancing shall be observed at all times;
- Passenger who has colds, cough or body temperature with greater than 37.5 degrees Celsius will not be allowed to enter the PRFS premises; and
- Only persons aged 21-59 years old will be allowed to board ferry boats.
Upon entering the ferry station, passengers will be required to undergo temperature check.
Also, they will be requested to fill-out the manifest form and accomplish the commuter information sheet should contract tracing is deemed necessary.
“We will strictly implement these precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers. Personnel of PRFS can deny entry at the ferry station if a passenger refused to undergo those procedures,” said San Juan.
The PRFS serves as an alternative mode of transportation for the residents of Metro Manila.
Operations of the PRFS have been temporarily suspended on March 17, following the enhanced community quarantine placed over the entire Luzon amid the spread of the COVID-19.
