Metro Manila mayors have approved the implementation of the single ticketing system during the Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting held Wednesday at the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) office in Pasig City.
The mayors have adopted the single ticketing system through the establishment of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 which provides interconnectivity among government agencies involved in the transport and traffic management in the metropolis with harmonized fines and penalties.
The single ticketing system would be convenient for motorists as they can now pay for their traffic-related violations anywhere, regardless of the city where they have been apprehended.
The standardized fines and penalties will also be endorsed to the Land Transportation Office and local councils for adoption.
In a news release, MMDA acting chair Romando Artes said the single ticketing system would be convenient for apprehended motorists as they can now pay for their traffic-related violations anywhere, regardless of the city where they have been caught.
“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,” he said.
“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 added.
Based on 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.”
Its approval and adoption will also help address different procedures of apprehension; payment of fines; redemption of licenses and plates; as well as uncoordinated implementation of traffic laws resulting in confusion of the driving public, loss of money and productive hours.
MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said the single ticketing system would be in effect within the first quarter of 2023.
“The Metro Manila LGUs (local government units) will have to pass their respective ordinances adopting the Metro Manila Traffic Code 2023 on or before March 15 to fully implement the single ticketing system,” he said.
The Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which will serve as the guideline for the system, listed the most common traffic violation penalties which will be imposed uniformly in all Metro Manila local government units, 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 MMTC also has provision for the interconnectivity requirements with the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).
During the meeting, it was also agreed that the MMDA would provide the funds for the purchase of the hardware and information technology requirements needed for the seamless and simultaneous rollout of the LGU’s integration with the LTMS.
The LGUs will likewise enact ordinances that will adopt standardized fines on the identified common traffic violations and separate ordinance for traffic-related offenses not stated in the traffic code. (PNA)
