advertisement

---

A weak regional economy, lagging sales tax revenue and the expense of operating a rail system that has doubled in size have created significant challenges, said Dallas Area Rapid Transit officials in a prepared statement.



To meet them, board members Sept. 17 approved a $582 million fiscal-year 2003 budget that includes the elimination of 149 positions and modest salary increases. The board also plans to reduce light-rail service frequency from 15 minutes to 20 minutes on evenings and weekends, and decrease the number of light-rail vehicles operating in off-peak periods.



And, it’s considering raising fares for the first time since 1995.



Of the 149 job cuts, 119 already are vacant. DART officials will try to place the 30 affected employees elsewhere in the agency. Those who cannot be placed will be laid off, officials said.



The budget also provides hourly workers a 4 percent wage increase; a 2.5 percent merit raise pool has been established for salaried workers. All employees carrying health insurance through DART will need to begin paying more toward their premiums in FY03.



Of the $582 million, $305.7 million is slated toward operating expenses, $258.4 million for capital projects and $17.5 million to fund debt service, compared with $291.5 million for operating; $299.7 million, capital; and $15 million, debt fund expenses in FY02.



DART’s total FY02 budget was $606.3 million, down from FY01’s $729 million — primarily because portions of major construction projects continue to be completed.



DART’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1.