MANILA, Philippines - Various transport groups warned they will be forced to hike fares if the 250% increase in toll fees at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) pushes through on June 30.

The South Luzon Bus Operators Association estimates a 20 centavo fare increase per kilometer once SLEx operator South Luzon Tollways Corp. (SLTC) starts charging higher toll fees.

This means a commuter paying P50 for a ride from Alabang to Calamba, Laguna will have to pay P6 more.

The Metro Bus Operators Association, meanwhile, has appealed to the public for understanding should they file for a fare increase.

SLTC is hiking toll fees to recover the cost of rehabilitating the 27.3-kilometer Alabang to Calamba stretch, and expanding the 1.2-km Alabang Viaduct.

The current toll at SLEx (Alabang to Calamba) is P22 for light vehicles, P43 for buses and P65 for heavy trucks. - Report from Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News