D.C’s Metro faces budget shortfall; what will it mean for fares?

-- WASHINGTON (AP) -- Metro is facing a $176 million budget shortfall.

General Manager John Catoe said yesterday the transit agency is facing a budget year "as bleak as the national economy."

The shortfall equals 13 percent of the total operating budget for next year. The gap is the largest in Metro's 33-year history.

Officials have proposed cutting 891 jobs and making cuts to train, bus and paratransit service. About half of the jobs are currently vacant. Cuts would take effect in July.

While Catoe has not proposed a fare increase, the Metro board could choose to approve one. Catoe says specific service reduction proposals will be presented to the board in the coming weeks.