Pasig River Ferry is now operational since 10 March 2007. Stations in place are in Escolta, Hulo, Sta Ana, and Guadalupe. First trip is at 5:30 am with fixed schedules about every hour until 9:05 pm. Fare for the longest and the shortest route is the same at P 25.0. The Catamaran can accommodate 152 seated passengers in an enclosed air-conditioned vessel. An officer of the Philippine Coast Guard and a full service technical complement should ensure the security and safety of the vessel. Travel time is approximately 55 minutes.
Travel in a new light from East to West. Pasig River is not that bad especially from Escolta to Nagtahan. The most populated section is between Pandacan to Lambingan in Sta Ana. Like the LRT, there are strict restrictions: luggage is limited, no picture taking at Malacanang, no drunk riders, no bringing of food. For now with only 2 vessels operating, waiting time in between rides is approximately an hour. The Guadalupe station has the advantage of a walking distance access to the LRT Guadalupe station and the bus rides at EDSA. Karitelas can move you to the next jeepney and LRT/MRT stations in Escolta in case you don't like walking.
Beyond the convenience of the new mode of transport made available by the romantic river to the ordinary commuters, Pasig Ferry gives access to the river strip never been seen before. One passes through in a sense, history. In less than 60 minutes, one is transported to the past starting from the upstream, the Manila of the Spaniards, Chinese and Americans and in Malacanang, the seat of power that has seen many presidencies. Towards downstream we see the current in the abandoned and decaying factories, the communities that mushroomed under the steel framework of the bridges of MacArthur, Quezon, Nagtahan, Pandacan and Lambingan and the increasing colony of settlers at the Hulo and river banks.
The landscape may not be stunningly beautiful. But it says that the Filipino, in spite of it all is struggling and is still alive. Welcome aboard to the city of our affection, Manila.
Fotos and details at this site http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/roadtrip/508/pasig-river-ferry-metro-manilametro-manila
See Google's satellite map of Manila http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=14.579000,121.083000&spn=0.104044,0.167645&t=k&hl=en
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