LGU to use LTO ticketing system starting 2023

That was fast.

Just a week after forming a TWG (Technical Working Group) across all local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila to discuss a single-ticketing system, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is ready to implement it by the first quarter of 2023.

LTO Chief Jose Arturo ‘Jay Art’ Tugade announced that while the agency is still holding consultative meetings with stakeholders, a draft memorandum circular has already been sent out regarding the implementation of the single-ticketing system in Metro Manila.

"We’re just waiting for feedback po doon sa ating mga partners dito po sa programa (We're just waiting for feedback from our program partners)," said Tugade.

The single-ticketing system aims to harmonize the rules and regulations under Republic Act 4136 so that enforcers from all cities across the metropolis will have the same interpretation of traffic violations, which includes dishing out the same fees/fines for the corresponding infractions. A demerit points system will also be introduced.

"Ma-monitor po natin ang performance ng ating mga drivers via a common demerit points system (We'll be able to monitor the performance of our drivers via a common demerit points system)," added Tugade.

A demerit points system has been used by several countries across the world. Drivers have zero demerit points in the beginning. If you drive safely and don’t commit traffic violations, you continue to have zero demerit points. Drivers start to incur them with every violation committed. Demerit points differ depending on the gravity of the violation, and these come with fines as well. Once a driver reaches a certain demerit point limit, their license may be suspended.

"The intention is not to increase the penalty but to have a penalty that will serve as a deterrent. We will make sure na iyong privilege to drive po ay ibibigay lang po natin doon sa mga karapat-dapat at saka mga responsableng drivers (We will make sure that the privilege to drive will only be given to those worthy and responsible drivers)," ended Tugade.

The LTO Chief believes that the single-ticketing system with the corresponding demerit system will thin out the irresponsible drivers from our roads.