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As they face a $12 million to $17 million shortfall in the fiscal-year 2013 budget, Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) officials have launched an online, interactive “guide” for the public to offer comments as to which potential cuts or changes should be made to balance the budget.

The “Challenges and Choices: A Budget Discussion Guide,” is available on the agency’s website at www.trimet.org/choices. The guide provides background on the reasons for the shortfall and a worksheet for public input.

Agency officials will use public feedback to develop specific budget proposals in the next few months, said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane.

The shortfall is part of the agency’s FY2013 operating budget, which will begin July 1, 2012. TriMet’s FY2012 operating budget is about $400 million.

The agency also plans to hold open houses with the public in February.