MMDA: Single ticketing system pilot run ‘successful’

MANILA: According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the pilot run of the single ticketing system (STS) spanning multiple cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) went smoothly and garnered positive feedback.

“The STS’s implementation in the five cities where it was launched initially was successful. No major issues, concerns, or complaints have been reported. Our focus now is on some adjustments that must be made in the coming days. So far, we are doing good,” MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes stated.

The pilot run began on May 2 in San Juan, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, and Quezon City.

The STS enables interconnectivity between governmental agencies responsible for traffic enforcement through a unified system of fines and penalties. The STS also streamlines and digitizes the payment of penalties in order to reduce bureaucracy and the opportunity for corruption.

According to Artes, MMDA traffic personnel were given handheld devices and body cameras, and were trained on the use of new gadgets to ensure smooth implementation.

Digital handheld devices are now being customized for local government units (LGUs). These will be distributed to LGUs this month, initially in the five cities where the STS has been implemented.

Most of the problems that have been encountered so far are related to unfamiliarity with the system, according to Land Transportation Office (LTO) Regional Director Noreen San Luis-Lutey. Other issues included access to the portal, activation of online payment systems, and uploading of violation information.

Lutey assured that the LTO will continue to gather feedback as they look for ways to make the system better.

San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) President Francis Zamora reported that the pilot run in San Juan City went well and received good feedback from the public. He attributed this to the changes introduced by the system which benefited motorists.

“Driver’s licenses are not just confiscated anymore; there is a uniform set of fines imposed for the 20 most common traffic violations in Metro Manila, and there is the option for online payment of fines. We are excited with the development and rolling out of STS to other cities,” Zamora said.

Photo from Philippine News Agency

Also read:

Here are the fines and violations under the single ticketing system

How to check your LTO violations online

What happens if you get caught driving without license