By Rey E. Requejo
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will hold a dry run for the implementation of the single ticketing system in the first or second week of April.
MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said at least seven local government units in Metro Manila have expressed their readiness for the dry run which would cover the cities of San Juan, Muntinlupa, Quezon, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Manila, and Caloocan.
“The single ticketing system across Metro Manila is nearing full implementation. There is a need to conduct a dry run to increase public awareness,” Artes said during a Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting held on Thursday at the MMDA’s new headquarters on Julia Vargas St., Pasig City.
It may be recalled that Metro Manila mayors have adopted the single ticketing system through the approval of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 which provides for a system of interconnectivity among government instrumentalities involved in the transport and traffic management in the metropolis with harmonized fines and penalties.
Artes said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) drafted a memorandum of agreement (MOA) regarding interconnectivity with LGUs and data privacy agreement.
“LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jay Art Tugade has committed to submit the MOA tomorrow,” he said.
MMC president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora emphasized the importance of a single ticketing system.
“The implementation of the single ticketing system will highly benefit our motorists because they have the option to pay thru online channels for their violations,” Zamora said.
Under the single ticketing system, it will be easier for traffic violators in the National Capital Region to settle their penalties through Bayad Centers all over the country or through mobile apps.
Present during the meeting were mayors Vico Sotto of Pasig, Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa, Wesley Gatchalian of Valenzuela, Emi Calixto-Rubiano of Pasay, Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon, and Miguel “Ike” Ponce III of Pateros.
Amid the impending weeklong transport strike, the MMDA chief also hinted at the possibility of lifting the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or number coding scheme on Monday, March 6.
“The MMDA will deploy buses to ferry stranded passengers should the transport strike push through next week. We shall coordinate with the Department of Transportation and Department of Interior and Local Government on the matter. We will make an announcement regarding the possible suspension of the number coding scheme tomorrow, March 3,” Artes said.
Transport groups will stage the strike on March 6 to March 12 to dramatize opposition to the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program.