Post by seacid on Jun 26, 2007 17:23:05 GMT 8
I ran some errands in the Binondo area today. Had lunch at La Mien, finally tasted the much talked about hand made noodles. I must say its was good.
On my way back home I happened to pass by Escolta and saw the Pasig River Ferry Terminal. On a whim I asked the guard if bikes were allowed on board. He replied that it is upon the discretion of the station manager. He promptly asked the manager for me and permission was given. So I decided to ride the ferry going to Makati. The bike was placed outside at the bow area, it was not allowed inside the airconditioned passenger area, no problem there. I was also asked to surrender my bike tools to the coast guard on duty for safe keeping (maybe I looked like a hi-jacker! hehehe) They did promise to return it to me as soon as I disembarked.
The fare was Php 25, the ferry's last stop was Guadalupe bridge, but the ferry personnel say that by the 3rd quarter of the year the ferry will extend its run up to Marikina, somewhere near the Riverbanks area. The trip from Escolta to Guadalupe took 30 mins. Plus I had a waiting time of 15 mins for the boat to arrive. So total time from escolta to Makati was 45 mins. Probably about the same time it would have taken me if I pedaled all the way.
The thing is, it was started to rain when the boat left Escolta and the rain stopped before we got to Makati, so I was actually spared getting wet. This turned out to be a good move!
When the ferry extends its run to Marikina, our brothers from the Manila can take the ferry to the riverbanks area, pedal from there to either Maarat or Licao, or La Mesa. This would be good if you want to save some energy before the start of the day's ride.
Going home after a ride may be another story.... I am not sure how they would look upon MTbikers and their steeds who are all muddied, dirty and SMILING! hehehehe
If you have the chance try out the ferry, its another mass transportation scheme that just might convince people to use their cars less.
On my way back home I happened to pass by Escolta and saw the Pasig River Ferry Terminal. On a whim I asked the guard if bikes were allowed on board. He replied that it is upon the discretion of the station manager. He promptly asked the manager for me and permission was given. So I decided to ride the ferry going to Makati. The bike was placed outside at the bow area, it was not allowed inside the airconditioned passenger area, no problem there. I was also asked to surrender my bike tools to the coast guard on duty for safe keeping (maybe I looked like a hi-jacker! hehehe) They did promise to return it to me as soon as I disembarked.
The fare was Php 25, the ferry's last stop was Guadalupe bridge, but the ferry personnel say that by the 3rd quarter of the year the ferry will extend its run up to Marikina, somewhere near the Riverbanks area. The trip from Escolta to Guadalupe took 30 mins. Plus I had a waiting time of 15 mins for the boat to arrive. So total time from escolta to Makati was 45 mins. Probably about the same time it would have taken me if I pedaled all the way.
The thing is, it was started to rain when the boat left Escolta and the rain stopped before we got to Makati, so I was actually spared getting wet. This turned out to be a good move!
When the ferry extends its run to Marikina, our brothers from the Manila can take the ferry to the riverbanks area, pedal from there to either Maarat or Licao, or La Mesa. This would be good if you want to save some energy before the start of the day's ride.
Going home after a ride may be another story.... I am not sure how they would look upon MTbikers and their steeds who are all muddied, dirty and SMILING! hehehehe
If you have the chance try out the ferry, its another mass transportation scheme that just might convince people to use their cars less.