It’s supposed to be good news when the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and City mayors in Metro Manila recently inked an agreement on data sharing with the Land Transportation Office to implement the single ticketing system starting on May 2.
In an MMDA press release on social media, this was applauded as a historic moment by MMDA acting chairman Don Artes, saying it took 28 years before it was realized.
Was the idea hatched that long ago?
“The single ticketing system will harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement, as well as penalties and fines of the most common traffic violations stated in the Metro Manila Traffic Code,” added the MMDA communique.
“The move aims to establish effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila by standardizing apprehension procedures, payment of fines, and redemption of vehicle plates and drivers’ licenses, among others.”
It is seen as a preparation for the full implementation of the no-contact apprehension policy which was halted by the Supreme Court’s TRO pending the results of the resolution filed by several transport groups.
But it looks like there’s no stopping the scheme from being pushed by at least seven LGUs, namely: San Juan, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Manila, and Caloocan who were well represented in the formal signing.
Conspicuously missing is the city of Makati. It’s the only LGU that so far has not been sold to the idea of the NCAP.
But it’s another story.
With the seven LGUs standing firm on the NCAP and agreeing to unify through the single ticketing system, it will be easier for traffic violators to pay for their penalties, regardless of where they were caught.
Good news.
Seemingly seamless.
If the bottom line objective here is to emphasize discipline on the road of Metro Manila, these measures should be accompanied by reforms in many aspects, including boosting traffic education of traffic officers and infrastructure—putting up designated loading and unloading stations.
It’s probably the reason why Makati is not riding yet on the NCAP scheme—Makati takes pride in its well-educated traffic officers and designated stops.
Hoping other cities take Makati’s way.