Transport groups, MMDA to sign covenant on traffic rules

Various transport groups operating in Metro Manila are scheduled to sign a covenant with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today to put an end to problems and disagreements over the agency’s traffic management schemes.

The pact will signify the approval of several amendments to the Metropolitan Traffic Ticketing (MTT) system. It also paves the way for modifications of the rules on the Non-Contact Traffic Apprehension (NCTA) scheme.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando will meet with transport group leaders, mostly leaders of bus operators and drivers organizations, at 9 a.m.

They will finalize and sign a copy of a number of amendments which will be integrated in the MTT’s and NCTA’s overall rules and regulations. "It will be a covenant, an understanding which addresses concerns raised by the transport sector," MMDA Deputy Chairman Cesar Lacuna said.

Among the changes in the MTT system include the extension of the deadline for paying of fines and penalties whenever a driver is apprehended for a traffic violation.

The old rule gives them only three days to redeem their MTT while the amended version gives them a maximum of 10 days.

As for the NCTA scheme, the MMDA and the transport groups agreed to ensure that only capable and skilled traffic enforcers are allowed to have cameras.

The new rules stress that they will be positioned in strategic areas and will shoot only under clear lighting conditions and should have a clear shot of the vehicle involved in the traffic violation.

The amendments also modify and emphasize other rules regarding apprehension procedures, towing, and filing of complaints against erring MMDA traffic enforcers.

Fernando reminded transport groups they can easily call for help whenever they encounter extortionists. He assured that traffic adjudicators will be sent to the area immediately to assess the situation and verify if the driver did violate a traffic rule or is simply being harassed.

The covenant is expected to put an end to the case filed against the MMDA before the Makati City Regional Trial Court over the MTT and the NCTA.

Drivers and public utility vehicle operators have long been complaining of how these two MMDA programs are allegedly implemented irresponsibly.