AFTER more than two decades, the single ticketing system will finally be implemented in Metro Manila.
The Metro Manila Council (MMC), whose members are the 17 Metro mayors, approved its implementation yesterday.
MMDA chair Romando Artes said the mayors adopted the single ticketing system during a meeting in Pasig City through the establishment of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 that provides for a system of interconnectivity among government agencies involved in the transport and traffic management in the metropolis with harmonized fines and penalties.
“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,” Artes said.
“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 highly benefit our motorists,” he added.
He said the single ticketing system will help avoid confusion among drivers as well as the option to pay electronically for their violations.
The Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which will serve as the guideline for the system, listed the most common traffic violation penalties which will be imposed uniformly in all Metro Manila local government units, as follows:
Disregarding traffic signs; illegal parking (attended and unattended; number coding violation; 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 (driver); loading and unloading in prohibited zones; illegal counterflow, and overspeeding
The special laws included in the implementation of the system are the 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 the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.
Driver’s licenses will not be confiscated during apprehension, Artes said.
Based on MMDA Resolution No. 23-02, the single ticketing system “will harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement to establish effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.”
Its approval and adoption will 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.
MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said the single ticketing system will 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,” Zamora said.
Artes said during the meeting, it was agreed that the MMDA will provide the funds for the purchase of the hardware and IT requirements needed for the seamless and simultaneous rollout of the LGU’s integration with the LTO’s 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,” he said.
The MMDA said the fines for each traffic violation is still “subject for amendment.”
There will also be a demerit system in which motorists found to have violated traffic regulations 10 times will have their licenses suspended.
