COUNCILOR Conrado Baluran revealed that a shipping investor is looking to establish a coastal ferry, which will operate possibly in October of this year.
Baloran, the committee on transportation and communications chair, said the proponent, Pinoy Catamaran Corporation, is the same company that started and manages the Pasig River ferry in Manila.
“They came down from Manila and explained to us the possibility of putting up ferry boats to reduce traffic condition of our city,” Baluran said.
The ferry boats will start from Lupon, Davao Oriental going to Sta. Ana Wharf in Magsaysay Park and other docking areas that have yet to be identified. The councilor said their counterparts at the Lupon Municipal Council already approved the proposal.
The proposed ferry unit is a 65 ft. Trimaran with a capacity of 50 passengers.
The proposed stations include Toril, SM Ecoland, Matina, Boulevard, Alcantara Port, Agdao, Mintrade (Shoreline), Sasa Wharf, Panacan, Sta. Ana, Tibungco. The fare matrix is yet to be announced.
According to the proposal, the documentation including contract signing of Davao and Lupon, finished vessel design review, and management including facilities staffing is set for January and February.
Meanwhile, April-June is for the preparation of terminal design (people’s ferry), July- September for crew screening and training, and a dry run for the vessel, ticketing, and terminal in September.
Baluran said the operation will start with ten units: five units from Lupon to Sta. Ana Wharf and vice versa and five for the local routes.
However, the councilor said the proposal is still on the committee level and they have only discussed this during a public hearing last Friday, Feb. 16.
Photo from PNA
