Caltrain passengers could face fare increases in the future…Caltrain officials said the transit agency is facing a projected $10.1 million deficit for fiscal year 2010 and that one-time funding sources used to bridge deficits for the past seven years are largely depleted.  Another key funding source, State Transit Assistance, has been eliminated for the next few years. In addition, the deepening recession and job losses have resulted in fewer passengers and thus fare revenue.
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Caltrain-passengers-might-get-hit-with-fare-increase-44947687.html

VTA cuts labor costs; board members to give up monthly stipend

With furloughs and wage freezes for employees on the horizon, the 12 board members of the Valley Transportation Authority are set to give up their $200-a-month stipends, a small but symbolic way of trying to help the agency dig out of a $79.1 million hole over the next two years. The state budget shortfall has hit all transit agencies hard, with Sacramento eliminating transit funds to districts across California. Caltrain says it could run out of money next year and is considering fare hikes, charging riders to bring bikes on board and eliminating weekend service. BART may hike fares 10 percent and increase parking fees. San Francisco Muni may cut service on about half of its 80 lines and discontinue some, while AC Transit may trim service by 15 percent.
http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_12330131?nclick_check=1

SANDAG Board Approves Transit Fare Hikes

The San Diego Association of Governments Board of Directors Friday gave final approval to fare hikes for riders of trolleys and buses. The new rate structure, which goes into effect July 1 for the Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District, is aimed at helping the MTS close an estimated $11 million major budget deficit.
http://www.10news.com/news/19408711/detail.html

A new tide is forming

Facing a flurry of opposition from business owners and residents, the Big Blue Bus has pulled a proposal to cancel the Tide Ride shuttle and plans to instead examine ways to revamp the lowest performing line in its system, gearing it more toward tourism. The change in plans comes as welcomed news to the local neighborhood and merchants associations, which for months have been lobbying officials with the public transportation agency to keep the shuttle service, which was on the chopping block because of a loss of roughly $3.5 million in state transit assistance funds.
http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-05-11-59082.113116_A_new_tide_is_forming.html