FILE PHOTO: A Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer directs traffic along Edsa. The MMDA said seven local government units are ready to hold a dry run for the single traffic ticket system which imposes uniform penalties against erring drivers in Metro Manila. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday announced that it would hold a trial run of the single ticketing system in the first or second week of April in several local government units.
“The single ticketing system across Metro Manila is nearing full implementation. There is a need to conduct a dry run to increase public awareness,” MMDA chair Romande Artes said during a press briefing on Thursday.
According to Artes, seven local government units in Metro Manila — San Juan, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Manila and Caloocan — have already expressed their readiness to conduct the dry run.
It was almost exactly a month ago, Feb. 1, when Metro Manila mayors adopted the new Metro Manila Traffic Code, which paved the way for implementing the single ticketing system across the National Capital Region.
During the press briefing, Artes said that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has already drafted a memorandum of agreement regarding interconnectivity with LGUs and a data privacy agreement.
“LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jay Art Tugade has committed to submit the MOA tomorrow,” he added.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila Council President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, for his part, stressed 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, penalties would soon be centralized, allowing traffic violators to pay fines through online payment methods regardless of where they are.
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