After a meeting of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) yesterday, the Single Ticketing System gets resounding approval from Metro Manila mayors. Less than two weeks ago, motorists already had an inkling that the system will be implemented sooner than later, and this new bit of news all but confirms it. Oh, it is happening!
Metro Manila LGUs have to pass their respective ordinances as basis for Single Ticketing System
Photo: MMDA
All mayors included in the MMC seem to be unanimous in their decision. The adoption and subsequent implementation of the Single Ticketing System follow the establishment of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023. The Code “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 System is being seen as a means to address different procedures of apprehension, payment of fines, the redemption of licenses and plates, as well as uncoordinated implementation of traffic laws which more often than not results in the confusion of the driving public, loss of money, and productive hours.
“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,” said Atty. Don Artes, MMDA Acting Chairman.
“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 later added.
Photo: LTO
Serving as the guideline for the System, the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 lines up an extensive list of the most common violation penalties which, once implementation begins, will be uniformly imposed in all Metro Manila LGUs. The list reads 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 for motorcycle
- Overloading
- Defective motorcycle accessories
- Unauthorized modification
- Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver)
- Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones
- Illegal counterflow
- Overspeeding
*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
- Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act
The target window within which the Single Ticketing System will begin implementation has again been slated within the first quarter of 2023. Before it begins, “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,” said Francis Zamora, MMC President, and San Juan City Mayor.
The standardized fines and penalties will also be endorsed to the Land Transportation Office 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 effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila”.
In line with interconnectivity requirements which need to be seamless, it was agreed that the MMDA will shoulder the funds for the purchase of the hardware and I.T requirements for the simultaneous rollout of the LGU’s integration with the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). The LGUs will likewise enact ordinances that will adapt standardized fines on the identified common traffic violations and separate ordinances for traffic-related offenses not stated in the traffic code.
Photo: LTO
At this point, none of this should come as a surprise. A strong push against corruption, high-tech new gadgetry, and what seems to be a united front for all Metro Manila LGUs can all be taken as a good sign for the motoring public. Now comes the real concern of the System not being abused. We hope it isn’t, we hope it won’t, and we hope no one will even try to.
We can’t afford another failure of enforcement, and even more so, a failure of implementation.
