The local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila have given the green light for the implementation of a single ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) as spearheaded by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The Metro Manila Council (MMC), composed of 17 NCR mayors, have ratified the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 embodying the rules on the single ticketing system
which provides for interconnectivity among government instrumentalities involved in the transport and traffic management in the metropolis with common fines and penalties.
The standardized fines and penalties will also be endorsed to the Land Transportation Office and local councils for adoption.
Based on Resolution No. 23-02, the single ticketing system “will harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement to establish and effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.”
The code is also designed to 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.
The resolution also stated that it might create chaos if left unattended, to the detriment of the public in general.
MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said the single ticketing system will be convenient for apprehended motorists as they can now pay for their traffic-related violations wherever, regardless of the locality where they were 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,” Artes 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. MMC president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora thanked the panel for passing the resolution. He said the system would be in effect within the first quarter of 2023.
“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,” he said.
The code, which will serve as the guideline for the single ticketing system, listed 20 most common traffic violation penalties which will be imposed uniformly in all within the NCR.
These were: disregarding traffic signs, Illegal parking (attended and unattended), number coding, truck ban, light truck ban, reckless driving, unregistered motor vehicle, driving without license, tricycle ban, traffic obstruction, dress code for motorcycle, overloading, defective motorcycle accessories, unauthorized modification, arrogance or discourteous conduct of the driver, loading and unloading in prohibited zones, illegal counterflow, and over-speeding.
The code also covers special laws such as the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999, the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, the Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act, the Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act, the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, and the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.
The system likewise calls for interconnectivity with the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).
It was also agreed upon that the MMDA will provide the funds for the purchase of the hardware and I.T requirements needed for seamless and simultaneous rollout of the LGU’s integration with the LTMS.
The local government units will likewise enact ordinances that will adapt standardized fines on the identified common traffic violations and separate ordinance for traffic-related offenses not stated in the traffic code.
The final draft of the Metro Manila Traffic Code was adopted by the MMDA and Land Transportation Office, as well as Metro Manila local traffic enforcement units last January 19.