MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) What is the fastest way to commute from one point to another in Metro Manila these days? Or, more relevant to today?s belt-tightening times, what is the most efficient yet cheaper mode of transport for the ordinary everyday commuter?

?Rush Hour Commute,? a project of the Philippine Daily Inquirer with the help of sister company INQUIRER.net, is looking to provide the public with substantial answers to these questions.

The idea behind the project was brought about by the recent hike in fares instituted by the government, according to Juan Sarmiento Jr., PDI senior desk editor and the project?s leader.

?We all know fuel prices have been increasing and transport groups have been demanding these fare increases,? Sarmiento said.

Volunteers, divided into groups traveling by bus, jeepney, taxi, train (MRT/LRT) and private vehicle, will travel a specified route per day, all starting at 8 a.m.

Teams will ply the following routes: Ayala Trinoma in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay on the first day; Santolan in Pasig to C.M. Recto in Manila on the second day; and Baclaran in Paranaque to Monumento in Caloocan on the third day.

?We want to give the public, especially the millions of commuters, a general idea how much fares have increased and to give them an idea how long it takes to travel from one place to another,? Sarmiento said.

Sarmiento, meanwhile, noted that even though bus and jeepney fares have increased, the cost of riding the MRT and LRT remain the same, the latter because it is partly subsidized by the government.

Accounts of the trip, photos and videos of the volunteer teams will be posted on the Rush Hour Commute special website on the race day itself. Results will also be summarized -- along with a visual presentation -- in PDI's Talk of the Town section on August 10.