JORDAN, Guimaras – From P50, the boat fare from Guimaras to Iloilo City and vice versa has been slashed to P40.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) ordered the fare reduction, succumbing to public clamor.
MARINA Region 6 director Jose Venancio Vero Jr. confirmed meeting with operators of modern motorboats on Jan. 7.
“Nakiusap ang MARINA sa kanila na ibaba ang pamasahe to P40. Pumayag naman sila,” said Vero.
The modern motorboats would also be giving 20 percent discount to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
On Jan. 1, MARINA grounded all wooden-hulled boats servicing the Iloilo City – Guimaras route and vice versa. Their Certificate of Public Convenience already expired and the agency has no plan to renew them, citing its modernization program phasing out wooden boats due to safety concerns.
The fare in wooden-hulled motorboats was only P30.
Currently, only 10 vessels are servicing the Iloilo City – Guimaras route. These are six fiberglass motorboats, two roll on, roll off vessels and two steel-hulled boats
Vero said the fare reduction does not cover the two roll on, roll off vessels.
He also insisted that the 10 vessels were sufficient enough to transport people crossing daily the Iloilo Strait for either Iloilo City or Guimaras.
Only during rush hours on Mondays and Fridays were people having difficulty getting a boat ride, said Vero.
“Ang bantayan natin kon paano mapabilis ang pag-transport ng passengers para makauwi lahat on time,” he stressed./PN
