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Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) officials have proposed a $1.4 billion budget for fiscal-year 2012 that would maintain current rail, bus and para-transit services, as well as fares.

WMATA General Manager Richard Sarles' proposed budget is the first step in a six-month budget-planning process before the board adopts the final budget in June, before the new fiscal year starts July 1.

Operationally, the transit agency is "doing more," while "simultaneously becoming more resource efficient," said Sarles in a prepared statement.

During the past three years, WMATA implemented $165 million in "business efficiencies" through consolidation, suspension of nonessential programs and automation of certain functions. In FY2012, the proposed budget would cut an additional $74.2 million in operating expenses without "adversely impacting customers or laying off Metro employees," WMATA officials said.

They project rising costs — particularly in wages and fringe benefits, para-transit service growth and "carryover" — that would increase the base budget by $85.8 million.

A fare increase implemented last year will generate about $100 million this year. Local jurisdictions also increased their contributions by $25 million.

Sarles' budget proposal calls for continuing current service levels on all transit modes, as well as funding core services and the capital program. The proposal also calls for $72.4 million in additional funding through wage reserves, increased subsidies from local jurisdictions, commercial revenue through monetized ground leases and marketing station naming rights, and funding preventive maintenance at FY2010 levels.