"This is a no-frills budget," CEO Roger Snoble said. "We have to aggressively pursue other revenue sources, including state spillover gas taxes that Sacramento is banking on in the wake of high gas prices."
The MTA is counting on about $230million in gas-tax revenue for transit projects and to operate buses and rails throughout Los Angeles County.
Metro officials earlier predicted the agency would face a $104 million deficit for the fiscal year that begins July 1. They managed to balance the budget by cutting costs, raising fares and using $40million of its $200 million reserve fund.
Snoble's plan calls for spending about $1.
4 billion on bus operations. Metro wants to increase bus service by 21,200 operating hours, rolling out eight Metro Rapid lines and buying 100 additional 60-foot buses to hold more passengers than the traditional 40-foot models.
Rails could receive $742 million, which includes a $58.
5 million subsidy for Metrolink. Metro plans to get 24 new rail cars.
Roadway construction could receive $592 million under the plan.
In addition, bus drivers, mechanics, clerks and most other union employees will see an expected 3.5 percent salary increase from previous negotiations.
Contracts expire June 30, 2009, with United Transportation Union, Amalgamated Transit Union and Transportation Communications Union.
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