The Pasig River Ferry Service promoted its free transport services to commuters amid reports of heavy holiday traffic.
It offered its ferry service as an alternative mode of transportation to commuters who have recently reported unpleasant travel experiences in Metro Manila in the past few days.
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Its invitation to commuters was posted on the Facebook page of the ferry service under the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on December 14.
The page even referenced a popular Drake meme to emphasize the benefits of traversing the region via the Pasig River.
“Pagod na sa araw-araw na traffic? Sakay na sa Pasig River Ferry Service! Bukod sa libre, mas mabilis ito at iwas-traffic kumpara sa pagbibiyahe gamit ang kotse,” the post reads.
The meme was formed from images in the music video of Drake’s hit single “Hotline Bling.”
In this version, the MMDA Pasig River Ferry Service offered commuters a ride from Guadalupe, Makati City to Manila within a time frame of 45 minutes to 1 hour only.
This travel time is juxtaposed with a nearly two-hour land journey to the same destination.
Commuters can avail of this ride by going to the following areas where its stations are located:
- Pinagbuhatan
- San Joaquin
- Maybunga
- Guadalupe
- Valenzuela
- Hulo
- Lambingan
- Ana
- PUP, Lawton
- Escolta
On December 20, the MMDA Pasig River Ferry Service posted its schedule for the holidays.
The boats will run for a half day on Friday, December 23.
There will be no operations during the Christmas weekend, on December 24 and 25.
Regular operations will resume on Monday, December 26.
The ferry service has been carrying passengers to different parts of Metro Manila for free in recent years. It was reopened to help decongest the worsening traffic situation on the region’s main roads.
Several parts of the Pasig River have also been passable due to its massive rehabilitation led by the Pasig River Coordinating and Management Office (PRCMO).
The PRCMO is a body under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
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