SENATOR Ralph Recto on Monday urged Malacanang to revive the Pasig River ferry service to help solve an impending "carmaggedon" in the capital.
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) had advised motorists of up to 13 road and mass transport projects, which will worsen the traffic situation in the next two years.
In the case of the Pasig River ferry service, Recto said the government can buy boats or rent the boats that the previous ferry operator owned.
Before the 10-boat Pasig River ferry service stopped operations in 2011, it served 17 stations along a 15-kilometer route from Plaza Mexico in Intramuros, Manila to Nagpayong in Pasig City.
"We should now utilize this nautical road. It is toll-free and ready to use," the senator said.
Recto said the Palace can tap the P1-billion contingent fund and the P140-billion unprogrammed fund in the 2014 national budget as possible sources for projects, which could ease vehicular congestion in Metro Manila.
"Exigencies which cause public injury like traffic can be solved through government intervention using discretionary funds under the disposal of the executive branch," Recto said.
"Billions of pesos will be lost due to the projected traffic. So whatever amount will be invested by the government in the ferry, the people will reap economic benefits even if the actual operating cost is not recouped from fare box collections," the senator added.
Another traffic-mitigating proposal of Recto is for government to encourage shippers, especially those based in south of Metro Manila, to use the Batangas international port. (Sunnex)