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Metra’s board recently approved the release of the agency’s proposed 2011 budget for public hearings and comments. The spending plan includes $634.2 million for operations and a $407.5 million capital program. No fare increase is planned for 2011.

To help address lower-than-projected ridership and sales tax receipts, as well as  higher insurance and maintenance costs, the agency plans to transfer $35 million from its 2010 capital program and $25 million from its 2011 capital program to help complete preventive maintenance work next year.

Metra also proposes to continue a hiring freeze and combine job functions to reduce costs.

The agency’s proposed 2011-2015 capital program includes $585 million in state bond program proceeds to replace 160 Highliner cars on the Metra Electric District. In addition, $175.8 million in state bond proceeds and other capital funding will be allocated to complete a number of station and parking improvements throughout the system.

Metra plans to hold public hearings on Nov. 3 and 4 to review and obtain feedback on the proposed spending plan. The board will vote on a final budget at its Nov. 19 meeting. The spending plan then will be forwarded to the Regional Transportation Authority, which will vote on the region’s transportation budget in December.