Los Angeles Daily News: MTA budget would add 6 Rapid lines

[marmar]

MTA budget would add 6 Rapid lines
Agency also wants to extend Gold Line to East L.A.
By Sue Doyle, Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 05/13/2008 09:09:21 PM PDT


Proposing to add six more Rapid bus lines and extend the Gold Line east of downtown, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday unveiled a proposed $3.37 billion budget for the next fiscal year.

Unlike last year's budget, the draft 2008-09 spending plan includes no calls for fare hikes. It proposes to spend $239 million more than the current budget.

The package promises more money for bus service than rail projects, and less funding for highway improvements.

But those plans could change depending on the unveiling today of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's revised state budget proposal, and as the plan passes through the hands of state lawmakers.

Anxiously awaiting today's announcement, Metro officials fear a repeat of last year, when $1.3 billion was yanked from the state transportation pot - ultimately eliminating 40 percent of the money transportation officials thought they would have to spend.

Metro CEO Roger Snoble said he is worried that the county's transit infrastructure will start to crumble if money is not spent soon to fix it.

"There's so much need out there that's being deferred that it makes you worry," Snoble said. "This is a balanced budget, but it sure doesn't speak well for the future."

The proposed budget includes spending $1.5 billion - about 45 percent of the package - on bus operations and capital projects. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_9250244