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Last week, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (GCRTA) board approved a $266 million operating budget for 2012 that includes an increase in rail service.

The budget also contains no fare increase or employee layoff provisions, and includes a closing balance of $31 million, GCRTA officials said in a prepared statement.

“Notable improvements” in the new budget include a 4.3 percent increase in services, including more rail service beginning later in the year; hiring for 50 positions, bringing RTA’s total employment to 2,282; and continued work on various capital projects, they said.

“We are closing out quite possibly the best year we have had in many years,” said GCRTA Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joe Calabrese. “Revenue is above budget, and expenses are below budget.”

The agency also paid off some debt early, set up reserve accounts and is investing a greater share of its federal funding in infrastructure improvements, he said.

“Ridership is growing at a healthy rate, and we are about to increase services for our customers,” Calabrese added. “The budget appears sustainable for a few years down the road.”