Have you ever thought about crossing a river that was once featured in the works of patriot, Dr. Jose Rizal, such as his zarzuela "Junto al Pasig" and his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo?”

Over a century later, the Pasig River, once the heart of trade and transportation in the Philippines, remains one of the busiest rivers in the country, serving not only as a trade route but also as a means of free transportation for Filipino commuters.

Metro Manila, where traffic gridlocks and congestion have become a daily norm and the search for alternative modes of transportation has become a pressing concern. 

Amidst the chaos, however, a hidden gem has emerged as a scenic and efficient way to traverse the region - the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS).

The PRFS has proven to be a game-changer in the daily commute of Metro Manila's residents. Offering a smooth and swift journey, the ferry service provides a welcome respite from the frustrations of navigating the gridlocked roads.

Passengers can enjoy a scenic voyage, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling river, while avoiding the prolonged hours spent trapped in traffic.

The ridership numbers speak volumes about the service's growing popularity. 

In 2022, the PRFS served an impressive 170,902 passengers, a figure that only continued to rise in the following year, reaching 254,333 passengers. And in the first three months of 2024 alone, the Pasig Ferry has already provided free rides to 46,497 commuters, a testament to its increasing relevance in the city's transportation landscape.

The PRFS has also proven to be a reliable alternative during times of crisis, such as the transportation strikes that disrupted the city in the past. As jeepney drivers halted their services, the Pasig Ferry stepped in, offering a safe and efficient means for students and workers to reach their destinations.

Looking ahead, the Pasig River Urban Development Project promises to further enhance the ferry service's capabilities. Additional ferry boats, the construction of linear parks, and the opening of new stations in Intramuros, Bridgetowne in Pasig, and Marikina, as well as the rehabilitation of the PUP station in Sta. Mesa, will all contribute to the PRFS's ability to serve a growing number of passengers.

Moreover, the expansion of the Pasig River Ferry to the Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay is also being explored, further widening the reach and accessibility of this innovative mode of transportation.

These initiatives are a direct response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order No. 35, which aims to revive the beauty and vitality of the Pasig River for both transportation and tourism purposes. 

The administration's commitment to the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) vision is reflected in its efforts to breathe new life into the city's waterways and provide commuters with a genuinely alternative and scenic means of traversing Metro Manila.

As the metropolis grapples with the persistent challenge of traffic congestion, the Pasig River Ferry Service emerges as a shining example of how innovative and sustainable solutions can transform the daily commute. 

By harnessing the region's natural assets and embracing the potential of its waterways, Metro Manila is poised to redefine the way its residents navigate and experience the urban landscape, offering a glimpse of a more livable and efficient future. 

For more updates and other trivias, visit the official Facebook page of MMDA’s PRFS  https://www.facebook.com/mmdaprfs. (JEG/PIA-NCR)