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Yesterday, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) proposed a $1.7 billion fiscal-year 2009 budget.

The $1.3 billion operating budget, up $167 million from last year's spending plan, would include funds to add more six- and eight-car trains into service.

The $445 million capital budget calls for purchasing trains and buses, overhauling escalators, and improving rail and bus facilities.

Earlier this week, WMATA implemented a fare increase to help offset a $142 million budget gap projected for the next fiscal year, which begins in July. Officials expect the fare hike and ridership increases to generate $789 million in revenue, $134 million more than projected for FY2008.

Local jurisdictions served by WMATA are ponying up an additional 6.5 percent, or $33 million, to further close the budget gap.

WMATA's board will consider a final budget in June.