MMDA defers tagging for provincial buses

MANILA, Philippines - Facing bitter opposition from operators of tourist and provincial buses, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) decided yesterday to indefinitely shelve the implementation of its vehicle tagging scheme for provincial and tourists buses and for Asian utility vehicles (AUVs).

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino made the announcement after meeting with operators of AUVs, tourist buses and provincial buses at the agency’s office in Makati City.

“The only thing I could do at the moment is for an indefinite deferral. It’s not within my power to override the (Metro Manila Council or) MMC resolution,” Tolentino said. “I understand your concern. Maybe by next week we’ll have a decision.”

Tolentino said he will consult MMC members regarding the request of the concerned operators to junk paint tagging in favor of radio frequency identification (RFID) chips. The MMC, composed the mayors of the 16 cities and one municipality of Metro Manila, serves as the MMDA’s policy-making arm.

According to the operators, it would cost at least P3,000 for each bus to have its license plate number painted on its roof, sides, front and back as required by the MMDA.

In contrast, the operators argued that it would only cost them P350 to have an RFID chip installed on their units. They added that the RFID chip could remain active for at least 10 years.

“We demand a new study on this. Maybe this is a more viable vehicle identification scheme than paint tagging,” said Alex Yague, president of the Provincial Bus Operators of the Philippines.

The MMDA, however, said the RFID chip costs P1,000 each and its battery – which is not available locally – is only good for three years. The agency said it tried the technology in 2008 but later abandoned it.