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Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) officials recently approved a $289 million fiscal-year 2005 budget that includes funds to increase station security and service, and begin new projects.

The agency will add closed-circuit television cameras at all 10 Interstate MAX light-rail stations, and at the Rose Quarter, Lloyd Center and Skidmore Fountain stations. TriMet also will increase bus service, purchase 10 MAX light-rail vehicles, complete final design on the 14.7-mile Washington County commuter-rail line between Wilsonville and Beaverton, and begin preliminary engineering and final design on the I-205 MAX project.

The budget includes a five-cent increase on most fares and a $2 increase on most monthly passes, which will take effect Sept. 1.

During the past four years, the agency has been able to add service and amenities through its Productivity Improvement Process (PIP), under which the agency is finding ways to improve service. PIP has saved TriMet $19.5 million between FY2000 and FY2005, according to a prepared statement.