LTFRB, LTO to implement online, cashless transactions

FILE: Public utility vehicles load and unload passengers in unauthorized areas along the busy Epifanio delos Santos Avenue near Heritage Hotel in Pasay City on Saturday (Sept. 7, 2019). (PNA photo by Gil Calinga)

MANILA – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are pushing for technological innovations that will reduce human intervention and physical contact in agency transactions.

In a news release on Wednesday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on June 16, the LTFRB will launch in the National Capital Region the Public Transport Online Processing System (PTOPS).

The system, which is still on pilot-testing and for consultation with stakeholders from June 1 to 15, will allow transactions to be made online, making LTFRB services faster and accessible. This, however, excludes the publication and hearing of cases.

In partnership with pisopay.com, the PTOPS not only aims to make transactions faster and more convenient but also ensure that physical distancing will be continuously observed, as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Through PTOPS, a user can create an account, select the type of transaction, and schedule an appointment online with the LTFRB.

The new system also prevents opportunities for corrupt practices as there is now less human intervention.

“Kailangan na po nating masanay na ito na ang magiging normal simula ngayon (We have to start getting used to the new normal). We are making our services accessible at the comfort of your homes and we have to adapt to this new reality. In this way, we lower the risk of possible virus transmission,” LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said.

Aside from PTOPS, the DOTr is also pushing for the implementation of safety protocols by promoting cashless transactions or digital payments as part of the “new normal”.

It has encouraged various digital payment providers to make their services available to transport operators and drivers to pave the way for cashless or contactless transactions in public transportation, such as taxis and transport network vehicle services (TNVS).

The LTFRB had also directed the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on all public utility vehicles (PUVs) plying expressways and tollways.

The LTO said the new normal procedures would be observed in various transactions made with the agency through the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).

Through the system, anyone can process transactions online with the LTO, including driver’s and conductor’s application for renewal of licenses, requests for revision of records, and requests for Certificate of No Apprehension.

For the settlement of traffic violations, motorists with admitted cases may settle their violations outright by paying fines at any of its district office cashier or via electronic payment channels and online banking.

Meanwhile, for contested cases, motorists can submit their position papers online through the LTMS. Notification of the hearing schedule and settlement updates will then be sent through e-mail or portal dashboard.

LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said the system is on pilot-testing at some LTO offices that are under general community quarantine.

“We are doing the pilot-test at 24 LTO Offices to iron-out the technical glitches, and thus ensure that everything will run smoothly. Once all are in place, the LTMS will be implemented in all LTO offices nationwide,” Galvante said.

“The LTMS will limit human intervention so as to comply with the safety protocol advised by health authorities. Aside from this, I encourage everyone to be a responsible motorist so that our roads will be safer and settlements will be less.

In this way, we can contribute to the faster healing process of our country,” he added. (DOTr PR)