DAY 1 OF CAVITE-MANILA FERRY OPERATIONS SMOOTH, SUCCESSFUL
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The first day of the operations of the Cavite-Manila Ferry Service was successful, based on the monitoring of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
The MARINA recorded 116 passengers aboard eight trips in the CCP Terminal-Cavite City route and vice versa, and 189 passengers aboard six trips in the Lawton-Cavite City route and vice versa. In total, 305 passengers experienced the convenience and efficiency envisioned by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and MARINA with the revival of the Cavite-Manila Ferry Service.
To ensure the safety and security of the riding public, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel were present to inspect in each trip in accordance with the PCG’s Pre-Departure Inspection System. No untoward incident transpired during the initial operations; likewise, no complaint was received by the MARINA regarding the operations of the two vessels, MB Seaborne Mercury and MV Island Sabtang.
Similarly, the maritime authorities will be strictly observing the condition of tides that may affect the sea conditions in the routes, per assessment of the PCG. This precautionary measure is to prevent any accident from occurring and to ensure the protection of passengers’ lives.
The Cavite-Manila Ferry Service was inaugurated on 08 December 2019 by DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade himself alongside the MARINA and other high-ranking officials. The travel time to and from the routes and vice versa has been shortened to 15 to 45 minutes from the usual three hours by land transportation. Fare is free of charge until 31 January 2020.
The MARINA is optimistic that the ferry service will sustain its operations with the agency’s intensified awareness campaign on the newly-opened transport system. With the proper utilization of the country’s coastal and inland waterways, traffic congestion in major thoroughfares is expected to drastically reduce.
Finally, the agency encourages commuters to support the DOTr, MARINA, PCG, and PPA in their endeavor to give Filipinos a ‘Mabilis, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Biyahe.’ ###