Public commuters, especially those riding public utility jeepneys or PUJs, have to slightly adjust their daily expenses once the government-approved fare increase starts on Sunday.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board or LTFRB on Tuesday confirmed that jeepney fares will temporarily increase by P1 starting 8 October as both a response to the request of the transport groups and the complaints of the commuters.

This means passengers should prepare P13 pesos as minimum payment for riding traditional jeeps from the current P12. As for those riding modern jeepney units, they should pay P15 from the current P14.

The agency said the decision followed the petition filed by transport groups to adjust the fare due to the unrestrained increase in the price of petroleum products.

Led by LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, Board Member Engr. Riza Marie Paches, and Board Member Atty. Mercy Jane Paras-Leynes, the Agency heard this afternoon the petition to increase the PUJ fare for both modern and traditional units.

"We only approved a peso provisional fare increase for the first four kilometers, but there is no additional increase for the succeeding kilometers.

This applies to modern and traditional public utility jeepneys throughout the country starting October 8," Guadiz clarified.

It was the General Counsel Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide, Inc., Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization who filed for the fare increase.

The groups' petition included the plea for a P5 fare hike but the LTFRB said it would be discussed in the next hearing on 7 November.

The LTFRB also conveyed to all operators, drivers, and commuters that it is necessary to implement the said fare increase on the set date while the Agency hears the main petition of the said transport groups.

As such, the LTFRB also reminded operators and drivers to provide discounts for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, students, and others.