Various transport associations expressed dismay Monday over the failure of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to convince Metro Manila mayors on the need to implement a comprehensive single ticketing system (STS) in the metropolis.

Efren De Luna, president of the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), said transport groups were disappointed over the outcome of their appeal to MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes to immediately implement the single ticketing system to replace the current multiple ticketing system of the local government units.

Last week, Inocentes and the members of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) decided to put the STS on hold. However, they agreed to form a technical working group to draw up a plan to harmonize traffic enforcement in Metro Manila, including the adoption of a Unified Traffic Code for implementation in the 16 cities and one municipality of Metro Manila.

“Kung hindi pala nya kaya na i-address ang issue with the mayors, mag-resign na lang sya,” said De Luna, referring to the MMDA chief. He noted that Inocentes had vowed to support transport groups in pressing for the approval of a Metro-wide STS should he fail to convince the mayors to recognize the agency as the sole authority to issue traffic violation tickets.

Moreover, De Luna also raised objection after Inocentes agreed to the proposal of the mayors to delegate the power of deputizing all traffic enforcers to the LGUs.

“Dapat MMDA ang magde-deputize, binigay pala nya ang deputation, ibigay na nyang lahat, pati ang regulation ng traffic ibigay na lang din nya,” pointed De Luna.

Earlier, transport groups held dialogues with Inocentes, expressing their serious concerns on the non-implementation and non-recognition of the STS despite a Court of Appeals (CA) ruling.

The groups even cited Executive Order 712 signed by President Arroyo in 2008 ordering the agency to implement the single ticketing system.

According to the groups of jeepney drivers and operators, the separate traffic fines being imposed by the LGUs have become very burdensome for them.

They also noted that most drivers are confused as to who the legitimate apprehending traffic officers are because the uniforms of the enforcers vary from one city to another. They also said the current system gives opportunity to unscrupulous traffic enforcers to extort money from drivers.

De Luna said he will hold another dialogue with Inocentes to press their demand for the implementation of the STS throughout the metropolis.