The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Sunday announced the new “Trip Tracker” text hotline of the agency.

MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno said commuters who want to use the newest crime-deterrent initiative of the agency can now send their tips, complaints and advisories to 9988.

Earlier, the MMDA advised the public to send their messages to 0917-5618709 for Globe subscribers and 0920-9472116 for Smart subscribers. But with the 9988 text line, all commuters can send their messages regardless of telecommunication service provider.

Nacianceno said the new and short “Trip Tracker” text line has a better recall rate for the public, especially among women, students, overseas Filipino workers, and visitors from the provinces, who are often victims of robbery and coercion while aboard taxis, buses, and jeepneys.

Under the “Trip Tracker” project of the agency, a commuter can advise traffic and police authorities of the PUV’s plate number, company name and destination even before the crime transpires. All the passenger has to do is send the details through a text message to the MMDA Command Center where information will be stored and can be used as future reference of the victim to trace the mugger.