The government’s answer? The Manila Bay–Pasig River–Laguna Lake Ferry System, or MAPALLA—a proposed large-scale ferry network that could become a game-changer in urban mobility.
A Water-Based Transit Solution
Progress So Far
As of now, a feasibility study is nearing completion, and the DOTr hopes to secure full approval for the project by mid-2025. Discussions with potential private sector partners are already underway to help support the ferry system’s construction and operations.
“We expect the feasibility study to be finished by the first half of this year. By the middle of 2025, we aim to secure approval for the project,” Batan said during an interview on Radyo Pilipinas.
The ferry system’s first phase will stretch across a 30-kilometer route, featuring 32 stations along the Pasig and Marikina Rivers. To serve this route, the DOTr plans to deploy 40 electric ferries, each capable of carrying between 100 to 150 passengers per trip.
Integrated, Multimodal Transit
MAPALLA is more than just a ferry service—it’s envisioned as part of a fully integrated transport ecosystem. The plan includes seamless links with other public transport systems like trains and buses, as well as pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to promote sustainable mobility.
As Metro Manila’s roadways grow more congested each year, the MAPALLA Ferry System could finally unlock the potential of our waterways—offering a smarter, greener, and faster way to travel across the metro.
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