Automated ticketing machines were tested in the ports of Batangas and Calapan in Mindoro Friday, Sept. 18, to prepare for the full implementation of the automated system that will minimize face-to-face transactions in port terminals next year.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) started the demonstration and test run of the Unified Electronic Ticketing System, which allows passengers to secure tickets from the vending machines, instead of the old way of buying tickets from port personnel.
"Napakagandang pagkakataon na ma-roll out na itong system ngayon dahil walang interruption. Hindi na magiging mahirap ang transition para sa mga pasahero sa oras na magkaroon muli ng mga biyahe sa ating mga pantalan (This is the right time to roll out the system because there are no interruptions. The transition will be smooth once trips resume at the ports)," PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said.
The system is equipped with Unified Electronic Reservation and Ticketing Assistant that also provides online services for the convenience of port users and passengers.
Through this online application procedure, passengers can also reserve, book, and pay for tickets online via desktop or mobile phones.
According to Santiago, the system will also prevent fixers from scalping or selling tickets at higher prices as valid government-issued IDs will be required prior to booking tickets.
“Safety will also be prioritized as overbooking and overloading of passengers in shipping vessels will be avoided. Seating capacity per vessel, which will be available through the online system, will be based on the authorized number of passengers per vessel by the Maritime Industry Authority,” Santiago said.
Aside from providing a faster and safer ticketing system to passengers, shipping companies will also benefit from the system as this will lessen their expenses and will help them in the proper filing of taxes.
Meanwhile, Santiago assured that employees need not worry about losing their jobs due to the automated transaction, as PPA will allocate areas for establishing help desks to assist passengers for their ticketing concerns such as cancellation of trips and refund.
PPA targets to bid out the system before the end of the year and to start its implementation next year.
The number of the automated ticketing machines will depend on the passenger traffic per port terminal, Santiago said.