With the steadily worsening state of traffic around the city, commuters can now look forward to another way of getting around: water transportation.
On Nov. 21, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that they will be launching scheduled ferry boat trips between Cavite and Manila in the near future. This initiative is part of DOTr’s efforts to ease traffic in the city.
The ferry boat routes are set to follow these phases, with the first dry run set to be conducted on the first week of December this year.
- Phase 1: Metro Star Ferry Terminal (Cavite City Hall) / Sangley Port to SM MOA Ferry Terminal
- Phase 1: Metro Star Ferry Terminal (Cavite City Hall) / Sangley Port to CCP Port
- Phase 2: Metro Star Ferry Terminal (Cavite City Hall) / Sangley Port to Escolta, Manila
- Phase 2: Metro Star Ferry Terminal (Cavite City Hall) / Sangley Port to Lawton Ferry Terminal
The Cavite-Manila routes were designed in coordination with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Laguna Lake Development Authority, as well as the local governments of Cavite and Manila.
According to the DOTr, shipping and ferry companies such as Shogun Ships Co., Incorporated, Starlite Ferries, Incorporated, Seaborne Shipping Lines Incorporated, and Pinoy Catamaran Corporation have expressed their interest in participating in the scheduled ferry trips.