Unified ticketing scheme set soon

Motorists will soon see a unified traffic ticketing system across the 17 local government units in Metro Manila.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced this as its policymaking body, the Metro Manila Council, on Saturday unanimously approved a resolution adopting the unified ticketing scheme.

Under the policy, all traffic fines and penalties throughout Metro Manila will be consolidated into a single scheme and a unified traffic ticket will be used by all local governments in Metro Manila.

“We welcome this long-overdue development. I am confident this initiative will finally see the light of day,” MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said in a statement.

The resolution was approved following a dialogue hosted by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and attended by representatives of transport groups such as the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers (Fejodap), Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang Masda), and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston).

Robredo, along with Mayors Alfredo Lim of Manila, Vergel Aguilar of Las Piñas, Florencio Bernabe Jr. of Parañaque, Antonio Calixto of Pasay, Aldrin San Pedro of Muntinlupa, Sherwin Gatchalian of Valenzuela, Del de Guzman of Marikina, Erwin Jejomar Binay of Makati, John Rey Tiangco of Navotas, Jaime Medina of Pateros and other representatives of the remaining local government units approved the resolution in a meeting at the Pasay City hall.

In addition, Robredo said he would present the policy to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for approval.

The resolution establishes a technical working group, composed of traffic heads and other representatives of the cities and municipalities in Manila, representatives from the Department of Transportation and Communication, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and MMDA.

The group will iron out the issues facing the implementation of the single ticketing system, which include the scheme of apprehension, standardization of fines and the redemption of driver’s licenses or license plates.