Single ticketing system implementation in NCR set next month

The single ticketing system in Metro Manila is set next month.

The announcement came after representatives of local government units (LGU) in the National Capital Region and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) signed the data sharing agreement (DSA) with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) together with the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the latest traffic-related legislation, which will be implemented starting May 2.

Per MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes, the system in the Metro Manila Council (MMC) took 28 years before being fully realized.

He also said that the pilot testing will be undertaken by the MMDA, together with seven cities namely San Juan, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Manila, and Caloocan. "The pilot testing will be done so the next LGUs that will be onboard will roll out their respective systems seamlessly.”

With that, the MMDA will provide handheld devices to apprehending officers that can provide options for cashless payments to violators. Artes noted that the program will also help minimize corruption and eradicate forms of negotiations between the motorist and the officer.

Senator Francis Tolentino, the agency’s former Chairman, underscored the importance of integration, expressed his strong support for the single ticketing system. "Integration will enable different systems to communicate with each other, to offer a unified solution at 'yan ang ginagawa n'yo ngayon (and that is what you are doing now), " the lawmaker said.  

Meanwhile, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Atty. Hubert Guevarra shared President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s backing on the system.

“As you spearhead the institutionalization of the single ticketing system in the NCR, make it so that all your efforts will translate to an even more seamless and consistent application of our traffic laws. Let this be a way for all our motorists to become more conscious and respectful of our laws, rules, and regulations,” Guevarra said, upon reading the message from the country’s chief executive.

Further, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo Tugade — through Atty. Noreen San Luis-Lutey — expressed his support on the rollout of the system. Lutey said that the signing of the MOA and DSA is monumental for the LTO. "It is a big milestone for us in terms of enhancing driver discipline through consistent and coordinated law enforcement initiatives, " Lutey said.

She also said that it is the LTO's compliance with the implementation of the ten-year validity of driver's license.

For his part, MMC Council President Francis Zamora, for his part, thanked his fellow mayors for being part of the landmark legislation. "The mayors have shown support and love to Metro Manila by amending our traffic ordinances to create a unified traffic code," he said.

Under the single ticketing system, existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement, alongside the penalties and fines of the most common traffic violations stated in the Metro Manila Traffic Code will be harmonized.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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Metro Manila mayors adopts single ticketing system

Single ticketing system in NCR to be implemented within Q1 2023