The Metro Manila Council (MMC) last week approved a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) resolution seeking to implement the single ticketing system (STS) that “will harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement to establish effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.”
Describing the MMC approval of the STS as “a historic moment,” MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes said the single ticketing system would give convenience to apprehended motorists, allowing them options to pay for their traffic-related violations. “This is a historic moment for all of us because after more than 20 years, Metro Manila is finally adopting the single ticketing system that will benefit our motorists,” Artes said (Read, “MMC approves ‘historic’ single ticketing system,” in the BusinessMirror, February 2, 2023).
The Metro Manila mayors adopted the STS through the establishment of the Metro Manila Traffic Code (MMTC) of 2023, which provides for a system of interconnectivity among government instrumentalities involved in the transport and traffic management in the metropolis with harmonized fines and penalties. The standardized fines and penalties will also be endorsed to the Land Transportation Office and local councils for adoption.
The MMTC of 2023, which will serve as the ground rule for the system, listed the most common traffic violation and penalties, which will be imposed uniformly in all Metro Manila LGUs, as follows: Disregarding traffic signs; illegal parking (attended and unattended); number coding UVVRP-truck ban; light truck ban; reckless driving-unregistered motor vehicle; driving without license; tricycle ban; obstruction; dress code violation for motorcycle; overloading; defective motorcycle accessories; unauthorized modification; arrogance/discourteous conduct of driver; loading and unloading in prohibited zones; illegal counter flow and overspeeding.
Also included are violations of special laws: Seat Belts Use Act of 1999; Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act; Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act; Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act; Anti-Distracted Driving Act; and Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.
The STS will help address different procedures of apprehension, payment of fines, redemption of licenses and plates, as well as uncoordinated implementation of traffic laws.
“The single ticketing system will help avoid confusion among our driving public, and includes an option to pay electronically for violations. Driver’s license will not be confiscated during apprehension,” Artes said, adding that apprehended motorists will be able to settle their penalties at common payment centers, like Bayad Centers, within 10 working days anywhere, instead of paying at the town or city where the erring driver was apprehended.
MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora thanked the council for passing the resolution. He said that the single ticketing system would hopefully be in effect within the first quarter of 2023.“The Metro Manila LGUs will have to pass their respective ordinances adopting the Metro Manila Traffic Code 2023 on or before March 15 to fully implement the single ticketing system,” Zamora said.
Artes said MMDA will shoulder the information and communications technology expenses of each LGU involved in the integration of the single ticketing system. The MMDA, he added, has sufficient funds to cover the procurement of equipment and other IT requirements needed for the seamless and simultaneous rollout of the LGUs’ integration with LTO’s Land Transportation Management System.
Kudos to the MMDA and the MMC for adopting the single ticketing system. The move to harmonize existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement by allowing interconnectivity among government agencies involved in traffic management in the metropolis will ultimately benefit all public utility drivers and motorists in Metro Manila.
Drivers who used to spend a whole day to reclaim their confiscated license and pay the fines do not only mean lost individual income, but also a loss to the Philippine economy.
