During his first State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte raised the issue of traffic congestion in Metro Manila. Among the solutions he proposed is the revival of the Pasig River ferry system.
“The revival of the Pasig River Ferry Service System is a viable option for the severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila. It serves as an alternative mode of transportation for passengers particularly those coming from the east side of Metro to reach specific destinations within the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Taguig, Marikina and Quezon City,” Duterte said.
BUS FERRY DRY RUN The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority conducts a dry run of its ferry service on the Pasig River from Guadalupe, Makati City, to Intramuros, Manila, on Wednesday. The trip took one hour and 30 minutes. Reviving the ferry service is aimed at providing commuters a faster mode of travel in the metropolis. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
The Pasig River ferry was revived by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority during the previous administration. But the system was not given enough support or funding for it to become a viable alternative. Duterte also mentioned other measures that his government will take to improve traffic.
“Our anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension including removal of terminals will be intensified, and, my god, it will be done. Immediately, immediately.
“To address lack of road infrastructure in Metro Manila, usage of existing roads will be maximized. Thus there will be a need to coordinate with LGUs to map out secondary routes and to consult various stakeholders, including the public transport operators.”
Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade previously said that he is waiting for emergency powers from President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to open up roads in exclusive villages in Metro Manila for motorists. Duterte also said that he will not attend honorary functions within Manila to avoid snarling traffic even further.
READ: To not worsen traffic, no more guest of honor appearances for Duterte in Manila
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