FastCat, the flagship brand of the Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (APFC), is opening a new route from Bacolod City, via the Banago Port, to Dumangas in Iloilo province this month.
The new route is in addition to its existing route from Bacolod to Lapuz, Iloilo.
With the opening of the new route, there will now be two FastCat vessels linking Negros and Panay, and giving the riding public more options for the transport and shipment of goods.
Serving the Bacolod–Dumangas route on a minimum of two round trips daily will be FastCat M16, one of newest vessels among APFC’s total fleet of 18.
The company said the FastCatM16 engines have higher horse power for better performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency.
It also has a dedicated accommodation area for persons with disability (PWDs), the elderly, and pregnant women, with an exclusive rest room, TV set, and air conditioning at the main deck.
The FCM16’s bridge control system has more equipment to aid in navigation, and is equipped with bow thrusters for better maneuverability. The seating capacity has also been increased to 360 from 325 in other vessels, the management said.
“By investing in the Panay-Negros route, the company is helping build the economy and fulfills its brand promise of a FerrySafe, FerryFast, and FerryConvenient travel experience,” it added./PR
