BART to trim 70 to 80 jobs, but perhaps without layoffs

BAY AREA

BART SEES job cuts: BART will need to trim 70 or 80 jobs in the next seven months to reduce costs, but likely can accomplish that without layoffs, agency General Manager Dorothy Dugger said Thursday.

Without cost cutting, the district will have a $26 million budget deficit by June 30 because of declining sales tax revenues and ridership, transit managers told the board.

Dugger said the district will try to avert layoffs by using a hiring freeze, retirements and resignations to trim the work force. No cuts in train services will be needed, she said.

BART directors also canceled theirs $30-per-month pay inflation increase. Board members make about $1,300 a month.

Only Director Tom Radulovich of San Francisco voted no. He said directors worked unusually long hours in the past year, leaving less time for their regular jobs.

— Denis Cuff