Artes

Metro Manila Council approves landmark single ticketing system after 28 years

February 1, 2023 Edd Reyes 405 views

THE Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved the implementation of single ticketing system in a meeting held on Wednesday at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) new office in Pasig City.

Local chief executives of Metro Manila have adopted the single ticketing system through the establishment of the Metro Manila Traffic Code 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 (LTO) and local councils for adoption.

Based on the MMDA Resolution No. 23-02, the single ticketing system “will harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement to establish and effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.”

Its approval and adoption will also help address different procedures of apprehension; payment of fines; redemption of licenses and plates; as well as uncoordinated implementation of traffic laws resulting in confusion of the driving public, loss of money and productive hours.

The resolution also stated that it might create chaos if left unattended, to the detriment of the public in general.

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said that the single ticketing system will give apprehended motorists convenience as they can now pay for their traffic-related violations wherever, regardless of the city they have been caught.

“This is a historic moment for all of us because after more than twenty years, Metro Manila is finally adopting the single ticketing system that will highly benefit our motorists,” he said.

“The single ticketing system would help avoid confusion among our driving public, as well as option to pay electronically for their violations. Driver’s license will also not be confiscated during apprehension,” he added.

MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora expressed his gratefulness to the whole council for passing the historic resolution. He also said that the single ticketing system would be in effect within the first quarter of 2023.

“The Metro Manila LGUs will have to pass their respective ordinances adapting the Metro Manila Traffic Code 2023 on or before March 15 to fully implement the single ticketing system,” he said.

The Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which will serve as the guideline for the system, listed 24 most common traffic violation penalties which will be imposed uniformly in all Metro Manila local government units

This includes 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 for motorcycle, Overloading, Defective motorcycle accessories, Unauthorized modification, Arrogance/Discourteous conduct, Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones, Illegal counterflow, and Overspeeding.

Special laws such as 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 are also included in the most common traffic violation penalties.

The MMTC also has provision for the interconnectivity requirements with the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).

During the meeting, it was also agreed upon that the MMDA will provide the funds for the purchase of the hardware and I.T requirements needed for seamless and simultaneous rollout of the LGU’s integration with the LTMS.

The LGUs will likewise enact ordinances that will adapt standardized fines on the identified common traffic violations and separate ordinance for traffic-related offenses not stated in the traffic code.

The final draft of the Metro Manila Traffic Code was agreed upon by the officials of MMDA and LTO, as well as Metro Manila local traffic enforcement heads last January 19.

AUTHOR PROFILE