The Pasig River Just Got Its First E-Ferry—and You Can Ride It Soon

(SPOT.ph) Let’s be honest—the Pasig River Ferry doesn't exactly have a stellar reputation in the realm of Metro Manila transportation options, but that might finally change soon. The first locally built electric ferry is gearing up to start passenger trips this November, offering a much cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable way to travel across the city.

The M/B Dalaray is a fully electric vessel designed to serve routes connecting Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati, Taguig, and Manila, offering commuters an alternative to the bumper-to-bumper reality of EDSA and C5. The plan is to integrate it into the existing Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS), which runs from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Escolta in Manila.

Also read: The Pasig River Ferry Isn't What You Think It Is Anymore

Developed by the Department of Science and Technology, UP Diliman, and MARINA, the M/B Dalaray can carry 40 passengers and three crew members, traveling two to three hours of operations before docking to recharge. Because it’s fully electric, the ferry doesn’t spew out smoke or noise like traditional boats.

If you still haven’t tried the PRFS because the heat or stench from the outside is stopping you, you’ll be glad to know that M/B Dalaray’s cabin is fully enclosed and air-conditioned. Inside, the aisles are wide, and if no passengers are aboard, the layout can accommodate up to five tons of cargo. Each seat on board comes with a life vest and a safety card showing the route map and emergency procedures.

Its catamaran hull makes the ride more stable, too, even in rough waters—a huge plus if you’re prone to motion sickness.

The PRFS traverses a 30-kilometer stretch with 13 operating stations, namely Pinagbuhatan, San Joaquin, Maybunga, and Kalawaan in Pasig City; Guadalupe and Valenzuela in Makati City; Hulo in Mandaluyong City and Lambingan, Sta. Ana, PUP, Lawton, Quinta Market and Escolta in Manila. It operates at hourly intervals from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday. The service is currently free to all passengers.

According to MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan, regular trips for the M/B Dalaray are scheduled to begin in November, with route schedules and ticket details to be announced soon.

Also read: MAPALLA Ferry System Is in the Works, Passing Manila Bay, Pasig River, and Laguna Lake