Manila to Cavite in 15 minutes?

It’s now possible with the launch of the so-called water jeepneys that will ply the Manila-Cavite and vice versa routes, a trip that can take as long as three hours one way depending on the traffic situation.

The good news doesn’t stop there as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced during the launch on 8 December that water jeepneys will be free to the public from 9 December until January 2020.

“It’s like an early Christmas gift,” said Tugade of the move by Seaborne Shipping Lines Inc. (MB Mercury) and Shogun Ships Company Inc. (MV Island Sabtang) to offer free rides for one month.

The 27-seating capacity MB Mercury (Cavite to Cultural Center of the Philippines) will be free to commuters until 9 January and the MV Island Sabtang (Cavite-Lawton), which can carry up to 57 passengers, until 31 January.

Terminals are located near the Cavite City Hall going to the CCP port in Pasay and near the Liwasang Bonifacio (Lawton) in Manila.

MB Seaborne Mercury’s regular adult fare is P200, P160 for students, P143 for senior citizens and P125 for children aged 4 to 11 years old.

The fares for the Cavite-Lawton MV Island Sabtang (and vice versa) route are P160 (adult), P128 (students), P114 (seniors and Persons with Disabilities) and P80 ( children aged 4-11).

Tugade was joined by other officials from DOTr and Maritime Industry Authority and local executives during the launch.