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Last week, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) officials released more details on their $523.1 million fiscal-year 2006 preliminary operating budget.

Despite reducing expenses $13 million and cutting 115 positions, BART still is facing a $30 million deficit. To address it, the agency plans to shorten some train lengths to match demand and increase fares 3.7 percent in January 2006. The fare hike will be the first of four biennial increases, which will be based on the Consumer Price Index minus 0.5 percent.

BART also might consider charging for parking at some stations, adding a ticket surcharge for capital funding, lowering discounts for seniors, disabled passengers and children, and generating more advertising revenue.

The agency also might charge for parking at some stations, add a ticket surcharge, lower discounts for seniors, disabled passengers and children, and generate more advertising revenue.