Commuters traveling along the Pasig River can now enjoy seamless digital connectivity following the ceremonial activation of free Wi-Fi services across all ferry stations and selected vessels on Thursday, May 14.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, MMDA Chairman Don Artes, and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda led the launch at the San Joaquin Ferry Station. The initiative, part of the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP), installs 24/7 internet in 12 terminals and three ferryboats, aligning with the “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” project to revitalize the historic waterway.
The DICT emphasized that the project addresses the common frustrations of modern commuters.
“Isa sa mga madalas na hamon ng mga commuter ay ang napuputol na internet connection habang bumibiyahe na nagdudulot ng abala sa komunikasyon sa pamilya, trabaho, pag-aaral, at maging sa pag-access ng online government services.”
According to the MMDA, the connection is designed to handle heavy traffic, offering speeds between 10-20Mbps during rush hours and peaking up to 60Mbps during off-peak times.
Chairman Artes noted that the upgrade serves as an incentive to encourage more Filipinos to utilize the ferry system as a viable alternative to congested land routes.
“Our focus now shifts toward the rigorous improvement of service quality, ensuring that every passenger enjoys a seamless and reliable connection from the moment they enter the terminal until they disembark.”
Secretary Aguda highlighted that in an era of remote work, connectivity is no longer a luxury but a transport essential.
“Ngayon, hindi puwedeng biyahe lang; dapat biyaheng konektado. Ang FPIAP sa PRFS ay serbisyong magbibigay ginhawa sa mga komunidad.”
The service is now active at key stations including Escolta, Guadalupe, and Quinta, as well as on the boats Mutya 1, Mutya 2, and Vicente.
Mayor Sotto expressed his gratitude for the digitalization push, noting that the ferry currently serves 1,000 passengers daily.
“Nasa 1 libong tao na ang sumasakay sa river ferry araw-araw. Malaking bagay sa kabawasan ng traffic congestion kung madadagan pa ang bilang na ito.”
Beyond the ferry service, the MMDA has also requested DICT assistance to expand Wi-Fi installation to various public parks currently under construction across Metro Manila.