MMDA will launch digital payment of Single Ticketing System by third week of May

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Single Ticketing System has undergone a successful dry run, and it is now fully operational as of May 2, 2023. One of its noteworthy features is the use of handheld devices by law enforcers to make payment of fines, and other transactions, more convenient and faster. However, the online payment feature is not yet available, and it is expected to be activated later in the month, possibly in the third week of May.

Despite the convenience promised by the online payment feature, it will not be available to the public until later this month. According to the MMDA, those who have been apprehended must pay their fines at the City Hall(s) or through the websites that the Local Government Units (LGUs) will open for this purpose. Additionally, demerit points will not be applied to the driver's licenses of apprehended motorists since the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is still waiting for approval from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to begin doing so. Furthermore, the period within which to contest an apprehension or violation will be extended from seven working days to ten working days. 

While the system's rollout has experienced some complications, it is still seen as a step in improvement in the near future.  Despite the expectation that these issues would have been resolved before the system was launched, it is reasonable to accept that no one is perfect. Hopefully, expectations can be met sooner rather than later and, ideally, before the third week of May.

Once this system launches, it will be much easier for everyone involved from both motorists to traffic enforcers and issuing and paying of tickets, so while there are delays, at least we can expect a much smoother system going onwards that can benefit everyone.