The 57-seater "Mutya ng Pasig 1." Photo courtesy of Gadget Addict

MANILA - The Pasig City government has procured 2 new boats, in a bid to revive the Pasig River as a mode of transportation.

"Mutya ng Pasig 1" is a 57-seater ferry with a comfort room and closed-circuit television cameras. Although non-airconditioned, the boat has several electric fans and windows that let cool air inside, according to video creator Gadget Addict.

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto said the local government is "willing to buy more" boats, which were procured by the previous administration "without really any plan to use them."

"We really need to invest in the river ferry, invest in alternative modes of transportation. This will really help with traffic congestion and mobility of our citizens," he said.

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"It’s a risk but I strongly believe that if we start investing in the ferries more, the demand will follow. We’re not going fast but there’s no traffic so it’s still faster than going to EDSA or C5."

The ferry system covers 11 terminals in Pinagbuhatan, and San Joaquin in Pasig City, Guadalupe, and Valenzuela in Makati City, Hulo in Mandaluyong City, and PUP Sta. Mesa, Sta. Ana, Lambingan, Lawton, Escolta, and Plaza Mexico in Manila.

Its fare ranges from P28 to P95.

"One of the routes actually in high demand is form Pasig going to Escolta. This is the first of many boats we will have for the river ferry," Sotto said.

"Hopefully, we will stimulate the demand for this river ferry."

The new boats are being tested for its opening to the public on December 1.