STUDENTS in Metro Manila usually ride public utility vehicles, a private car or ride-hailing services to go to school. 

But with long queues waiting for student commuters during peak hours and Manila’s severe traffic congestion, it could take longer for them to arrive at their destination.

Fortunately, land-based transportation will no longer be their only option. There is an alternative mode of transportation that would allow them to travel by water and it is none other than the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS).

About PRFS

The PRFS is the only water-based transportation in the metro, with 13 ferry stations starting from Pinagbuhatan Station in Pasig City, Kalawaan Station, San Joaquin Station, Maybunga Station, Guadalupe Station, Hulo Station, Valenzuela Station, Lambingan Station, Sta. Ana Station, PUP Station, Quinta Station, Lawton Station, and Escolta Station in Manila.

It operates from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Monday to Saturday.

The best part about the ferry service is that it is currently free of charge for all passengers, until further notice.

The PRFS was revived in 2014 through a tripartite agreement between the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRC), according to central admin officer Irene Navera of the PRFS.

Navera told republicasia that the PRFS would offer Filipino commuters a faster, reliable and convenient mode of transportation.

“The objective is to serve as an alternative transportation due to traffic congestion, then [it] serves as a lifeline during [a] 7.2 magnitude earthquake,” she said.

The river ferry ride caters to passengers from all walks of life. Navera said 30 percent of their ridership is composed of students.

 She stressed how beneficial the PRFS is to the commuters and said that this would cut down their travel time and help them avoid traffic jams.

Ferry experience

Several young content creators shared their experiences riding the PRFS with republicasia on Sunday, January 14. Among them were Bea Borres, Frances Cabatuando, Mon Ivan Mendoza, Prince Adrian Dagdag and Kapuso actress Faith Da Silva.

For Da Silva, the river ferry service gave her the opportunity to get a clearer picture of what the Pasig River looks like now, which is different from how it is perceived by many.

“To be honest, it was unexpected kasi nga syempre marami tayong notion na kapag Pasig River, ‘di ba? Mabaho or hindi magiging pleasant yung pagpunta natin,” the actress told republicasia. 

“Pero lahat ng yon na-debunk lahat sa utak ko kasi feeling ko talaga nasa Hong Kong ako na Harbour City. Ang sarap huminga kasi ang daming birds, ang ganda ng kapaligiran, tsaka nakikita ko talaga how beautiful Manila is,” she added.

This was the same for Cabatuando and Mendoza who also have been hearing negative notions about the Pasig River.

“Matagal ko na gustong i-try ang Pasig River Ferry, pero before, may bulng-bulungan na mabaho daw, malagkit ganyan. But sobrang surprised ako na hindi totoo yon. As in when I rode it, sobrang fresh,” Cabatuando shared.

She said that her ferry experience could be compared to that of Bangkok, Thailand.

“As in talagang parang ang aliwalas tapos ang ganda ng view. May mga murals, makikita mo yung iba’t-ibang structures like Malacañang, and even iba’t-ibang cities yung dadaanan mo,” added Cabatuando.

The trip was a fun experience for Mendoza, who came all the way from Olongapo City to witness how clean the Pasig River was, contradicting the comments he heard about it.

“Sobrang sarap, first time ko kasi tapos first time ko rin makarating sa Pasig. Sayang nga hindi ko nakitang madumi kasi yun yung lagi kong naririnig eh. Gusto ko sana makita yun muna kaso ang nakita ko sobrang linis, wala nang amoy sabi nila mabaho,” he said.

It was also Dagdag’s first time riding the PRFS as someone who hails from Pampanga.

“Yung experience ko sobrang happy naman kasi kahit papano naging safe ako na nakalapag dito sa Binondo. ‘Yun po yung experience ko na masasabi kong happy ako na nakasakay ako sa ferry and first time ko po ‘yon,” he said.

Meanwhile, Borres described her experience as “fun” and “educational,” as she learned more about the cities that the ferry passed through. 

Passengers could get a leaflet in terminals that contains information about these locations, including landmarks that can be found in the area.

“It was very educational, like while the ferry was moving, I heard some facts about different barangays, different bridges, so it was fun. It was a wonderful experience,” said the young content creator.

Future plans

These content creators hope that the PRFS would offer better services to the public by adding more ferries and stations to cater more passengers.

These have been the plans for the PRFS, said Navera.

She said that they are aiming to open a station in Maestranza in Fort Santiago in Intramuros, after the Plaza Mexico Ferry Station was demolished in 2018 to give way for the construction of the Binondo-Intramuros bridge.

They also look forward to additional stations in Circuit Makati and in Marikina. Meanwhile, the PUP Station is being rehabilitated. 

Navera invited Filipino commuters, especially students, to ride the PRFS.

“Siya ay kaisa-isa lang na water-based transportation dito sa Metro Manila, kung saan magiging komportable at makakarating ka sa iyong paroroonan nang mas mabilis at malayo sa polusyon,” she said.

Dos and don’ts

For those who are planning to experience riding the PRFS, there are several things that they should not do during the ride. 

These include disposing of trash on the river, bringing of uncaged pet animals except those that are assisting a person with a disability, riding the ferry under the influence of prohibited drugs or liquor, and bringing any kind of firearm or weapon.

They are also not allowed to smoke, sell products or gamble. Taking pictures while the ferry cruises through the Malacañang Palace is also prohibited.

Every ride is accompanied by a member of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for safety purposes and to make sure that no one is taking photos while passing by the Malacañang.

There are life vests on the top shelves of the ferry that passengers can wear in case of an emergency.