The MMDA gave us a first look at the handheld ticketing devices that all deputized agents will use for the Single Ticketing System (STS) in January this year. The STS’ dry run has begun, and though some of these devices have been deployed, some important features were missing. It looks like the agency has gotten a hold of a new batch, though, and they say that it’s already been customized and will be ready to use by five LGUs beginning in July.
Soft launch of MMDA’s handheld ticketing device starts next month
Photo: LTO
The new devices that we see are quite different from what the Metro Manila Development Authority previously showed off. According to MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, the new ones have already been delivered and customized. The first five LGUs that will get to use them are San Juan, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Paranaque, and Caloocan.
“There will be a soft launch on the first or second week of July. We will also invite the supplier as we want to address the possible flaws or glitches in the implementation of the STS,” Artes said yesterday during a press briefing at the MMDA Head Office in Pasig City.
Photo: MMDA
As was promised then, these handheld ticketing devices should come with a number of features. If all works accordingly, they should be able to print citation tickets, validate and authenticate driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations, check if the driver has incurred demerit points or if his/her license or the vehicle’s registration is suspended, canceled, or has an existing alarm, and importantly, accept cashless payments of fines, among others. This last feature was not yet available in the previous batch of devices; it should have been activated in May, but we’re assuming that these devices will be better.
Artes also said that the agency requested the supplier to equip the device with a dual sim to avoid poor signal reception. Pretty good thinking, yes?
Photo: MMDA
As with any new gadget, the training of traffic enforcers to be able to use this device will begin this month. “The training is scheduled on June 27. We want them to get familiar with the proper use of the handheld ticketing devices,” Artes shared. This should make its operation a breeze. After all, this device is all about convenience.
Under the Single Ticketing System, there is interconnectivity among government agencies involved in traffic management through a single system of fines and penalties. By way of these devices, all information will be accessible regardless of what NCR City a motorist might be in at the time of apprehension. The STS, ultimately, aims to eliminate red tape, limit opportunities for corruption, and eradicate forms of negotiations between the motorist and the apprehending officer.
There may have been hiccups, but we sincerely hope that all works and goes well. We know that this problem needs a solution; it has needed a solution for such a long time now, so we hope this helps.
