BART may raise fares, reduce service BAY AREA

BART may be forced to raise fares and parking fees, close some stations on weekends, reduce the frequency of service and lay off employees to help close a projected $37 million budget deficit this year, agency officials said Thursday.

"Everything's on the table," said BART spokesman Linton Johnson.

The dramatic cost-cutting measures come as the regional transit agency is faced with lower-than-expected revenue from fares and taxes and anticipated state funding cuts.

The BART Board of Directors was to be presented with various budget-balancing options by the staff on Thursday, but delayed the review to hold a public hearing on the New Year's Day fatal shooting of an unarmed man by a BART police officer. The budget issue will be addressed at a future meeting, when more details will be provided.

The projected shortfall for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1, also is grim. Officials forecast a deficit from $45 million to $55 million in the next budget cycle.