By Jel Santos

The free ride of the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) will be extended for the whole month of February, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Friday.

The extension of the “Libreng Sakay” until February 29, according MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim, is to entice the public to support the ferry service.

“We are overwhelmed by the interest shown by the public and many government agencies’ support to the Pasig River Ferry project. People are enjoying the benefits of the ferry service as a fast and convenient mode of transportation,” he said in a statement.

The “Libreng Sakay” began when the Pasig River ferry service was relaunched in December 2019. It was supposed to end on January 31, 2020.

“For those who have not tried the PRFS yet, take this extension as a perfect opportunity to enjoy its benefits,” the MMDA chairman said.

Since its relaunch, MMDA said PRFS continues to attract more patrons who prefer the water transportation service over public utility vehicles when travelling in the metropolis.

Data showed that the PRFS serves an average of 700 to 1,000 passengers a day.

The MMDA chairman, on the other hand, said improvements will be done to the facilities of the ferries soon.

“Watch for the first sail of the 150-seater boat, the latest addition to the fleet of the PRFS. Several Metro Manila local chief executives and private entities have also committed to provide additional boats,” Lim said.

According to MMDA, the PRFS currently has seven boats.

Lim also disclosed that they are eyeing to build more ferry stations to expand its operations.

“There are also plans to construct three more ferry stations, namely: Quinta Market in Manila, Circuit Makati in Makati, and Kalawaan in Pasig to further expand our operations,” the MMDA chairman said.

MMDA said the ferry service runs from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Escolta in Manila, with 11 stations: Pinagbuhatan, San Joaquin and Maybunga in Pasig City; Guadalupe, Valenzuela in Makati City; Hulo in Mandaluyong City; and Lambingan, Sta. Ana, PUP, Lawton, Escolta in Manila City.