Philippine Ports Authority to spearhead New 2026 Pasig River Ferry

Commuting across Metro Manila may become significantly easier by late 2026 or early 2027, thanks to the upcoming Pasig River Intermodal Transportation Project spearheaded by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). With a vision of providing a reliable, comfortable, and safer alternative to road-based travel, this project is designed to tap into the underused potential of the Pasig River for public transportation.

Backed by an annual budget of ₱800 million, the initiative will establish a comprehensive ferry system featuring 18 terminals from Plaza Mexico in Manila to Nagpayong in Pasig City. The new ferries will aim to reduce the current three-hour journey between Escolta and Pinagbuhatan to a quick 30-minute ride. To enhance accessibility and comfort, all ferries will be air-conditioned.

The system will operate two types of services: a standard end-to-end route, and water taxis that can be booked for specific destinations. The model takes inspiration from Venice’s Vaporetto boats, serving as a compelling vision for Manila’s future on the water.

Intermodality lies at the heart of the project’s design. Each ferry terminal will offer dedicated shuttle buses that will connect passengers to nearby land transport hubs. For example, commuters alighting at Plaza Mexico can board a shuttle to Kalaw Avenue, gaining access to major public utility vehicles and the LRT Line 1.

The PPA received the green light to move forward independently with the Pasig River route, even as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center continue to work on a broader feasibility study for MAPALLA (Manila Bay–Pasig River–Laguna Lake) — a much larger waterway transport plan. While MAPALLA may take more time to finalize, the PPA's carved-out initiative addresses a more immediate need.

According to PPA general manager Jay Santiago, inter-agency coordination is improving, with the PPA, DOTr, and PPP Center aligning on jurisdictional responsibilities and the importance of expediting this vital transport upgrade.

If everything goes according to plan, the Pasig River ferry system will revolutionize urban mobility by 2026, offering a scenic, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to Manila’s congested roads. The move represents a significant step toward a more multimodal and modern transport system in the country’s capital.