Metrostar Ferry
Overview | |
---|---|
Owner | Metrostar Ferry, Inc. |
Locale | Metro Manila and Cavite |
Transit type | Ferry |
Number of lines | 1 |
Number of stations | 2 |
Operation | |
Began operation | September 24, 2007 |
Number of vehicles | 4 |
Technical | |
System length | 28 km (17.40 mi) |
Metrostar Ferry is a passenger ferry service across Manila Bay between Cavite City and Pasay in Metro Manila, Philippines. It is owned and operated by Metrostar Ferry, Inc.
The route operates between terminals in San Roque, at the back of the Cavite City Hall, and SM Mall of Asia, adjacent to the Shrine of Jesus Church, in Bay City.[1][2] It is serviced by four Filipino-designed ships, the Doña Carmen, Doña Inez, Doña Avelina and Doña Mercedes.[3] Built in 2006, these ships are twin-hull, twin-engine, fully air-conditioned fiberglass catamarans which can carry between 130 and 550 passengers.[4]
The ferry service runs four times a day and makes a crossing in 45 minutes. The single journey cost is ₱75 per person, with a special discount rate of ₱60 for senior citizens and students.[2] The alternative drive from Mall of Asia to Cavite City is approximately two hours via the Manila–Cavite Expressway.
History
In 2006, Metrostar Ferry, Inc. secured a ₱135 million loan from the Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency (PhilEXIM) and the state-owned Philippine Veterans Bank to finance the project as part of the government's Manila Bay Transport Project.[5] It purchased Filipino-designed catamarans made by shipbuilders in Navotas and Malabon.[2][4] Metrostar Ferry made its maiden voyage in July 2007. It was inaugurated on September 24, 2007 by the PhilEXIM.[6]
The company also plans to interconnect with the Pasig River Ferry and open new routes from its Mall of Asia Terminal to Navotas, Bataan (Orion), Bulacan (Hagonoy) and Pampanga (Guagua).[4]
Fleet
Metrostar Ferry operated the following vessels (as of December 2012):
- M/V Doña Adelina
- M/V Doña Carmen
- M/V Doña Ines
- M/V Doña Mercedes
Ferry schedule
- Mall of Asia to Cavite City[7]
- 07:45 – 08:30
- 11:00 – 11:45
- 15:00 – 15:45
- 18:30 – 19:15
- Cavite City to Mall of Asia
- 06:30 – 07:15
- 09:30 – 10:15
- 13:30 – 14:15
- 16:30 – 17:15
References
- ↑ "Commuter services get Tourism dept backing". Manila Times. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- 1 2 3 "Ferry to Cavite from Mall of Asia". SM Prime. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- ↑ "List of operating vessels as of December 2012" (PDF). Maritime Industry Authority. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- 1 2 3 "Metrostar Ferry to expand destinations". Manila Times. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- ↑ "Cavite ferry terminal soon to be constructed". Port Calls Asia. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
- ↑ "PhilEXIM unveils P135-M ferry project for Metro Manila". Inquirer.net. 24 September 2007. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ↑ "Manila Bay Cruise by Metrostar Ferry @Mall of Asia". Our Awesome Planet. Retrieved 25 May 2016.