Anti-kamote: The LTO CitiSend app, Central Command Center
AutoIndustriya.com visits the LTO Central Command Center
When was the last time you didn't see an erring motorist while driving on the road?
If you're anything like us, chances are you'd remember more the days you've seen one. That's sad, to be honest, and not to mention, infuriating. As much as we'd want to practice being responsible drivers, there are those who simply can't follow the simplest of road rules.
Once you do survive and get home, you'll notice that everyone shares the same sentiments when you open your phone. We can bet your social media feed is always filled with motorists uploading numerous videos of road incidents on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Heck, based on our experience, we even saw a dedicated TikTok account for violators. There's also that viral video where a security guard was run over by a crossover but of course, you all know what happened there.
So why are people fond of posting these online? Well, it's plain and simple. We're always using our smartphones, and we spend most of our time on social apps. Since that's the case, people are hoping that when these videos go viral, they would eventually be noticed and given proper action by the authorities. Not to mention e-mails and hotline numbers just don't cut it in terms of convenience and efficiency nowadays. Worse, nobody answers the phones and the emails just bounce back.
That brings us to the Land Transportation Office (LTO)'s East Avenue Head Office where the Central Command Center for CitiSend is being monitored.
In case you don't know it yet, CitiSend is a mobile app where motorists, commuters, or any members of the general public can file reports regarding traffic incidents and violations they see on the road, plus any wrongdoings they see to the LTO's offices.
Inside the Central Command Center (C3) is an array of screens that monitor various places in Metro Manila, together with the reports sent by motorists that are being evaluated. Think of it as “Big Brother”, and you'll get the whole picture. Through CitiSend, the LTO acts on smoke-belching vehicles, illegally parked cars, and many other road incidents.
We had the chance to talk to the OIC of LTO's Central Command Center, Engr. Oliver Marique. He said that the CitiSend app follows Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which aims to penalize transport-related offenses and traffic violations. It's the agency's way of saying “Post it here, and we'll do the rest”.
As far as user experience is concerned, CitiSend works just like any other social media app when you're reporting violations. All you need to do is to have the violator's plate number, and the location of the incident, plus give supporting evidence such as videos or pictures, then categorize which violations they have committed, and you're all set.
The CitiSend app basically gives you security when it comes to privacy, as the LTO assures your identity will be kept secret once you report untoward incidents. Not to mention, doing this also empowers the public to go directly to the authorities and be given proper action.
Alternatively, you can also call 1-342-LTO (1-342-586) to report errant drivers if you don't have access to a smartphone or Internet.
LTO plans to widen the scope of CitiSend as they integrate other agencies and offices to be onboard this promising initiative. Once this is fully integrated, we're hoping the app would eventually serve as a reminder for unruly motorists and government employees to think twice before making a violation. After all, no one really wants to be called into the confession room, right?
