The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has trained 100 traffic enforcers on the proper use of handheld ticketing devices for the implementation of the Single Ticketing System (STS).
“We want them to become familiar with the features of the device, such as ticket issuance, ticket reprint, tow truck request, number coding, traffic report, LTO verification, road clearing report, road accident report, and public concern,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.
“This is one of the innovations made by the agency to make the process of paying traffic-related violations easier and more convenient, which is the main benefit of STS,” he said.
The STS devices could print citation tickets, validate and authenticate driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations, check if the driver has incurred demerit points or if his or her license or vehicle registration is suspended, canceled, or has an existing alarm, and accept cashless payments of fines, among others.
Last week, the MMDA turned over to the Pateros municipal government the 30 handheld devices to be used for the STS implementation beginning next month. Pateros was the latest local government unit (LGU) to receive the devices from the agency.
The initial batch of 150 handheld STS devices had been delivered and customized for the use of five other LGUs, namely the cities of San Juan, Quezon, Valenzuela, Paranaque, and Caloocan.
The MMDA also turned over to the Pateros government the server, server rack, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), workstations, printers, software, and 60 SIM cards in addition to the 30 handheld devices.
The STS enables interconnectivity among government agencies involved in traffic management through a single system of fines and penalties. It also aimed to help cut red tape, limit opportunities for corruption and eradicate forms of negotiation between the motorist and the apprehending officer.
Local traffic enforcers have already been trained on how to enforce the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 that serves as guidelines for the new system, which “may also be implemented nationwide, if successful.”
The MMDA had signed agreements with the Land Transportation Office for the interconnectivity of LGUs in Metro Manila with the agency’s Land Transportation Management System.