Photo by drew*in*chicago.

I know, I know, we’re tired of taking budget surveys, too. But since next week is WMATA budget hearing week, and Metro is suggesting cutting increasing weekend headways and bus service, its probably worth taking a few minutes out to let them know what you think about the proposed fiscal year 2012 budget. The online survey will be accessible until next Friday at noon.

A series of six public hearings will also be held in the District, Maryland and Virginia between May 16 to 19 regarding the budget, in which WMATA is facing a $66 million deficit. During those meetings, members of the Metro Board of Directors and executive leadership team will be available to talk with riders about the proposed cuts to service.

The 2012 budget will be finalized by the board in June and willtake effect in September. In a bit of positive news, the WMATA board of directors said yesterday that spending during the current fiscal year is $38.7 million below budget to date.