Metra budget hearing in Grayslake

A public hearing on Metra’s proposed 2012 budget is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Grayslake village hall, 10 S. Seymour Ave. The session is one of eight throughout the six county region on Wednesday and Thursday. The rail agency’s board of directors approved a preliminary budget that calls for an average 25 percent fare increase. Ten Ride tickets would go up 30 percent and monthly passes would increase about 29 percent. Reasons for the increase include higher fuel prices, demands of federal regulations, higher insurance premiums and other costs, according to Metra. A vote on the final budget is expected Nov. 11. Visit http://metrarail.com/.