The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), through the Metro Manila Council (MMC), and Land Transportation Office (LTO), reported that the Single Ticketing System’s (STS) first few days of operation went well and produced positive feedback.
“The STS’s implementation in the five cities where it was launched initially was successful. No major issues, concerns, or complaints have been reported. Our focus now is on some adjustments that must be made in the coming days. So far, we are doing good,” said MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, who presided over the MMC meeting recently.
The pilot run of the STS started on May 2 in the following cities in Metro Manila: San Juan, Paranaque, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, and Quezon City.
According to Artes, among the adjustments towards the seamless implementation of the STS are the training of traffic personnel on the use of new gadgets, distribution of handheld devices, and body cameras.
“Digital handheld devices have already been procured and are now being customized for use by LGUs.”
“Digital handheld devices have already been procured and are now being customized for use by LGUs. This month, we will begin the distribution to LGUs, initially in the five cities where the STS was rolled out,” he explained.
LTO Regional Director Noreen San Luis-Lutey said most of the issues encountered are related to familiarity with the system, which is acceptable since this is the first time to be implemented.
Other glitches were also encountered in the uploading of information of violations, access to the portal, activation of online payment systems, among others.
“We will continue to get feedback and look for ways to improve the system,” Lutey said.
San Juan Mayor and MMC President Francis Zamora said the pilot run of the STS in San Juan City was smooth and received good feedback from the public, attributing this to the changes introduced by the system that benefitted motorists.
“Driver’s licenses are not just confiscated anymore.”
“Driver’s licenses are not just confiscated anymore; there is a uniform set of fines imposed for the 20 most common traffic violations in Metro Manila, and there is the option for online payment of fines. We are excited with the development and rolling out of STS to other cities,” Zamora said.
Meanwhile, with the foreseen onset of El Niño from July to early next year, the MMDA and Metro Mayors have agreed to initiate measures that will address the effects of the expected drought.
Artes said the local chief executives agreed to create a task force together with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) that will discuss strategies and coordinate with concerned government agencies plans to lessen the impact of the El Niño phenomenon on the country’s water supply and address the adverse effects of the water interruption being experienced by households in some areas of Metro Manila.
