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Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) recently adopted a $283 million fiscal-year 2005 budget for Metrolink, southern California’s regional commuter-rail system.

The budget includes funds to purchase new rolling stock, replace ties in the Interstate 10 corridor and upgrade platform lighting at Union Station.

The $108.9 million operating budget — a 5.4 percent increase compared with FY2004 — includes $88.9 million for operations and $20 million for maintenance of way. Fuel accounts for 20 percent of the budget.

SCRRA officials expect fare revenue to increase 8 percent to $46.9 million compared with FY2004 because of a 4 percent across-the-board fare increase that will generate an additional $1.8 million.

The $174.1 million capital budget includes $45.4 million for rehabilitation and renovation projects, and $128.7 million for newly proposed and previously approved projects.