The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted the petition to increase the minimum fare for all public utility jeepneys (PUJs) amid the continuous rise in the prices of fuel products.

The seven-page LTFRB order dated June 29 practically approved the two petitions filed by four transport groups-- 1UTAK, Pasang-Masda, ACTO and ALTODAP.

First, it granted the petition to expand nationwide the P1 provisional increase in minimum fare it approved on June 8 for PUJs operating in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Region IV which includes both Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Mimaropa (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan).

The June 8 order increased the minimum fare from P9 to P10 in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Mimaropa.

Second, it granted additional P1 provisional increase for all PUJs operating nationwide. The four transport groups, however, are seeking P2 additional provisional increase in minimum fare for all PUjs nationwide.

With the LTFRB's recent decision, this means that the minimum fare for traditional public utility jeepney (PUJ) is now at P11 nationwide while P13 for modern public utility jeepney.

LTFRB Executive Director Tina Cassion said the decision will take effect on July 1.

The same order, however, emphasized that there will be no increase in the succeeding kilometers after the four-kilometer distance covered by the minimum fare.

In the same June 29 order, the LTFRB cited the following conditions:

1. For all PUJs to still grant 20 percent discount to senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities;

2. That all PUJs must post the notice of increase inside the vehicles;

3. That no fare matrix revision will be allowed and posted that details increase in succeeding kilometers after the four kilometers covered by the minimum fare.