MMDA to soft-launch use of handheld ticketing devices in July

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The handheld ticketing devices can print citation tickets, and validate and authenticate driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. Photo from MMDA.
  • The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will soft-launch the use of handheld ticketing devices in July
  • This is part of moves to implement the single ticketing system for driving violations in the National Capital Region
  • The first batch of handheld ticketing devices has been delivered and customized for use by San Juan, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque and Caloocan
  • The devices can print citation tickets, validate and authenticate driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations
  • They can also check if vehicle registration is suspended or canceled
  • The devices accept cashless payments of fines

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will soft-launch the use of handheld ticketing devices in July as part of the implementation of the single ticketing system (STS) for driving violations in the National Capital Region.

MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said the first batch of handheld ticketing devices have already been delivered and customized for use by five local government units (LGUs), namely San Juan, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, and Caloocan.

“There will be a soft launch on the first or second week of July. We will also invite the supplier as we want to address the possible flaws or glitches in the implementation of the STS,” Artes said in a recent press briefing.

The handheld ticketing devices can print citation tickets, and validate and authenticate driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations.

They can check if the driver has incurred demerit points or if his/her license or the vehicle registration is suspended, canceled, or has an existing alarm.

The device can also accept cashless payments of fines.

MMDA has requested the supplier of the device to equip the device with dual sim to avoid poor signal reception.

Artes said the agency will train traffic enforcers this month.

“The training is scheduled on June 27. We want them to get familiar with the proper use of the handheld ticketing devices,” Artes said.

The Metro Manila Council (MMC), the policy-making body of MMDA, last February 1 adopted the STS through the establishment of the Metro Manila Traffic Code (MMTC) 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. STS took effect last month.

Based on MMDA Resolution No. 23-02, the STS “will harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement to establish effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.”

The resolution said the STS will help address different procedures of apprehension; payment of fines; redemption of licenses and plates; as well as uncoordinated implementation of traffic laws resulting in confusion of the driving public, loss of money and productive hours.

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