LTO Single Ticketing System might start Q1 2023, NCR Mayors approved no license confiscations until then
In the latest LTO developments, the Single Ticketing System might begin sometime in the first quarter of 2023. As the agency finalizes its provisions, NCR Mayors have likewise agreed on a moratorium that driver’s licenses of those who violate traffic laws shall not be confiscated until the System is finally put in effect, that is. So what do we know for now?
Single Ticketing System: unify violations, fines, and transactions across all NCR LGUs
Let’s start with the possibility of implementing the Single Ticketing System (early) next year. Earlier this month, LTO Chief Jose Arturo “Jay Art” Tugade said in a Laging Handa interview that “We’re just waiting for feedback po doon sa ating mga partners dito po sa program [from our partners in this program”. One thing that caused an early stir about the system is that traffic fines and penalties may increase once the System takes effect.
Photo: Land Transportation Office
Tugade said that it isn’t about the money, though. “Ma-monitor po natin ang performance ng ating mga drivers [We will monitor driver’ performance] via a common demerit points system. We will make sure na iyong privilege to drive po ay ibibigay lang po natin doon sa mga karapat-dapat at saka mga responsableng drivers [that the privilege to drive is only given to those deserving and responsible drivers],” he said. At the time of his statement, Tugade said that a draft of the Memorandum Circular for the Single Ticketing System is already in the works.
As that’s being worked on, NCR Mayors have reached a consensus and agreement that their respective LGU enforcers will not be allowed to confiscate driver’s licenses of those found in violation of traffic laws. LTO officials can still do so, though, and this “ban” on confiscation will be upheld until such time that the System becomes fully implemented.
Photo: MMDA
“Every LGU in NCR will pass an ordinance on this matter. For now, the existing ordinance/traffic laws of each LGU shall prevail. Subject to the passage of an ordinance, they are allowed to continue to confiscate driver’s licenses of erring motorists,” said Atty. Romando Artes, MMDA acting chairman, on the “hold order” on LGU officials and LTO officials being allowed to take licenses from motorists.
Photo: MMDA
All in all, the Single Ticketing System is seen to be an improvement in the application and enforcement of traffic laws across Metro Manila. Yes, it will inevitably meet with a lot of resistance, but its guidelines are already in the works. One can only hope that it really will work as intended and that those who will enforce it won’t abuse their power, as is the case which most of us are quite familiar with.
2023 is already looking interesting, isn’t it?
