Last week, Metrolink’s board adopted a plan to balance the agency's 2009-2010 budget and make up a $3.6 million shortfall.

The plan, which avoids fare increases, calls for reducing weekend service on the Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines, and cutting administrative and staff costs, such as through a hiring freeze. Metrolink also asked five county transportation commissions for permission to use funds reserved from prior-year operating efficiencies for current budgetary needs.

To be implemented next month, the service changes include reducing Orange County Line weekend service from eight trains to four; reducing Inland Empire-Orange County Line weekend service from four trains to two; and suspending the two Saturday-only trains between Oceanside and Riverside, and two weekday trains on the Inland Empire-Orange County Line.

The service reductions will save about $529,000 between now and June 30, Metrolink estimates.