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Metrostar Ferry Inc. that operates a line between
Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City and Cavite City will link up with
the Pasig River Ferry to expand destinations.
“The company has lined up a
series of expansion programs starting this year. These include
interconnecting with the Pasig River Ferry, and plying the route
emanating from the Mall of Asia terminal to Orion, Bataan,” Restie
Bicomong, Metrostar president, said.
The new MOA-Bataan service will
shorten travel time to the famed former military stronghold to
around one hour and 20 minutes. Land travel from Manila takes around
four hours.
Metrostar is also contemplating
other routes from its MOA terminal, possibly to Navotas, which will
take 45 minutes; Hagonoy, Bulacan, an hour and 45 minutes; and
Guagua, Pampanga, an hour and 40 minutes.
The ferry operator plans to
expand its fleet to 15 to service its new destinations.
“Metrostar’s cruises and
commuter services have strategically opened up the tourism
potentials of both the Manila bay area and Cavite City, and have
made travel more convenient for visitors and locals alike. The
Department welcomes their intent to offer more routes to nearby
destinations,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.
The ferry made its maiden voyage
in July 2007, which reduced travel time from Cavite City to Pasay to
only 40 minutes versus at least an hour by road.
Metrostar uses Filipino-designed
twin-hull, twin-engine, fiberglass catamarans carrying 130 to 550
passengers.
Passenger terminals are located
at the MOA complex fronting Manila Bay beside the Shrine of Jesus
Church and at the port of Cavite City.
Fares for the MOA-Cavite City
(and vice versa) route have been recently reduced from P75 to P55
per person. Senior citizens and students enjoy a special marked-down
rate. Leisure cruises are pegged at P120 per person. These fares
include passenger insurance of up to P200,000.
--Darwin G. Amojelar
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