Metrostar Ferry
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox Public transit|
name = Metrostar Ferry|
image = |
imagesize = |
locale = Metro Manila and Cavite|
transit_type = Ferry|
began_operation = September 24, 2007|
system_length = {{convert|28|km|mi|2|abbr=on}} |
vehicles = 4|
lines = 1|
stations = 2|
ridership = |
average_speed= |
top_speed= |
owner = Metrostar Ferry, Inc. |
operator = |
}}
Metrostar Ferry was 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 operated 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.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2518&dat=20080713&id=QE5aAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DCgMAAAAIBAJ&pg=591,10693670&hl=en |title=Commuter services get Tourism dept backing |publisher=Manila Times |access-date=May 25, 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.smprime.com/ferry-cavite-mall-asia-pasay-45-mins |title=Ferry to Cavite from Mall of Asia |publisher=SM Prime |access-date=May 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611010718/http://www.smprime.com/ferry-cavite-mall-asia-pasay-45-mins |archive-date=June 11, 2016 |url-status=dead }} It is serviced by four Filipino-designed ships, the Doña Carmen, Doña Inez, Doña Avelina and Doña Mercedes.{{cite web|url=http://marina.gov.ph/infosys/ves2012web.pdf |title=List of operating vessels as of December 2012 |publisher=Maritime Industry Authority |access-date=May 25, 2016}} Built in 2006, these ships are twin-hull, twin-engine, fully air-conditioned fiberglass catamarans which can carry between 130 and 550 passengers.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2518&dat=20080712&id=P05aAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DCgMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2108,10636629&hl=en |title=Metrostar Ferry to expand destinations |publisher=Manila Times |access-date=May 25, 2016}}
The ferry service ran four times a day and makes a crossing in 45 minutes. The single journey cost is {{Philippine peso|75}} per person, with a special discount rate of {{Philippine peso|60}} for senior citizens and students. The alternative drive from Mall of Asia to Cavite City is approximately two hours via the Manila–Cavite Expressway.
As of 2018, the ferry service is not in operation.{{Cite news|url=http://opinion.inquirer.net/74112/lets-use-more-ferryboats-and-trains|title=Let's use more ferryboats and trains|last=Cruz|first=Neal H.|access-date=April 9, 2018|language=en}}
History
In 2006, Metrostar Ferry, Inc. secured a {{Philippine peso|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.{{cite web|url=http://www.portcalls.com/cavite-ferry-terminal-soon-to-be-constructed |title=Cavite ferry terminal soon to be constructed |publisher=Port Calls Asia |access-date=May 25, 2016}} It purchased Filipino-designed catamarans made by shipbuilders in Navotas and Malabon. Metrostar Ferry made its maiden voyage in July 2007. It was inaugurated on September 24, 2007, by the PhilEXIM.{{cite news|title=PhilEXIM unveils P135-M ferry project for Metro Manila |url=http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20070924-90399/PhilEXIM_unveils_P135-M_ferry_project_for_Metro_Manila |access-date=February 28, 2012 |newspaper=Inquirer.net |date=September 24, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629184840/http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20070924-90399/PhilEXIM_unveils_P135-M_ferry_project_for_Metro_Manila |archive-date=June 29, 2013 }}
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).
Two ferry boats owned by Metrostar Ferry were destroyed by fire in 2015, while on dock at SM Mall of Asia. The incident was allegedly caused by a spark in one vessel's generator.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/89668-fire-hits-two-ferry-boats-pasay|title=Fire hits two ferry boats near Mall of Asia|work=Rappler|access-date=April 9, 2018|language=en}}
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
File:Metrostar Ferry Terminal at the Mall of Asia in Manila.jpg
- SM Mall of Asia to Cavite City{{cite web|url=http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2007/11/manilabaycruise.html |title=Manila Bay Cruise by Metrostar Ferry @Mall of Asia |publisher=Our Awesome Planet |access-date=May 25, 2016}}
:: 07:45 – 08:30
:: 11:00 – 11:45
:: 15:00 – 15:45
:: 18:30 – 19:15
:: 06:30 – 07:15
:: 09:30 – 10:15
:: 13:30 – 14:15
:: 16:30 – 17:15
References
{{reflist}}
{{Metro Manila}}
{{Transportation in the Philippines}}
{{Bay City Manila}}
Category:Ferry companies of the Philippines
Category:Ferry transportation in the Philippines