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Next week, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA MTA) will hold a public hearing on a draft $3.3 billion FY2008-09 budget.

The spending plan is $230 million, or 7.3 percent, higher than the current budget, primarily because of increased transportation subsidies, the anticipated launch of Metro Gold Line service to East Los Angeles in late 2009 and a plan to rehabilitate older rail cars. In addition, the authority would continue preliminary work for several rail, bus and highway projects.

The proposed budget earmarks $781 million for rail service, including Metro Rail operating and capital costs, and a $65.4 million Metrolink subsidy. During the past year, LA MTA’s Metro Rail ridership has increased 5 percent.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority has proposed a FY2009 budget that includes $395.5 million for operating expenses, $386.5 million for capital costs and $148.9 million in capital debt service. The authority also will hold public hearings on the spending plan next week.