Metro-North train stops in Harriman.  Service cuts would affect both sides of the Hudson, but the Hudson-Harlem and New Haven lines would take the biggest hit

NEW YORK – Riders on Metro-North Railroad can expect service reductions in 2010 as the result of the final proposed MTA budget presented to the Board’s Finance Committee Monday.

The budget must address a $383 million gap that developed over the last two weeks due to a number of unfavorable developments.

On the Metro-North Railroad lines, the number of trains will be reduced, said spokesman Aaron Donovan.

Sixteen weekday trains and two weekend roundtrip train will be cut on the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven lines, he said.

There will also be fewer cars on Metro-North trains on both sides of the Hudson.

Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun (R-Blooming Grove) is not a happy camper about the reductions.

“If you want to look at a way to destroy the MTA and the people who use it, it’s to cut services to the people who are already paying more than fair share, and now there will be the possibility of people being unable to make a train or get a train where they need to go so they can make their money,” she said.

The state’s payroll tax projection is off by $100 million. The state is projecting a $229 million reduction in 2009, but advises that it believes $129 million will be made up in 2010.

The state is also going to cut appropriations to the MTA and the TWU Local 100 arbitration award will add $91 million to the authority’s expenses.

To help reduce spending, the budget includes a 10 percent cut in payroll expense for the MTA’s non-represented workforce, to be achieved by furloughs and a pay lag or replacement administrative savings that can be identified prior to planned implementation in April.

Student discounts will be phased out as well.