The MTA is proposing cuts to every Muni line in an effort to close a plus-sized $16.9 million budget gap. What's more, and you might want to grab a nearby trashcan to use as a makeshift airsick bag before you read this, they're proposing a jarring fee hike to ride the USEFUL and CONVENIENT historic streetcars that zip along Market Street

Streetsblog reports:

The rest of the $16.9 million gap would be made up with a package of changes that includes a $3 increase to F-Line historic streetcar cash fares, new requirements for express bus and cable car riders to use a premium $70 monthly pass instead of the cheaper $60 pass, increases in discount pass prices to $30, and an increase in the residential parking permit fee from $96 from $76. The agency is also hoping for labor concessions that could save $10 million annually and $700,000 this budget year, which would also include changes to work rules.

Horrifying.

Read more about the MTA's proposed budget cuts. And then, feel free to have a good, long cry.

While there's no word yet why a L-Taraval train derailed in the tunnel this morning, more than 20 bus shuttles are currently carrying Muni passengers between Van Ness and West Portal stations. All lines are affected. Appeal has word "that all Muni traffic is slow between Castro and Embarcadero stations," as well as the press release MTA just sent out. Ahem:

As of 11:45 a.m., the SFMTA has determined that the middle truck of the second car on the outbound L Taraval train came off of the rail by approximately one foot. A truck is a set of two axles and four wheels; there are three trucks on each LRV.

The K/T, L and M Lines continue to be directly affected by this incident. These lines are not operating in either direction in the Twin Peaks Tunnel between Castro and West Portal stations.

More than 20 bus shuttles are serving Muni customers between Van Ness and West Portal stations (making all Muni Metro stops in between).

There is slow traffic in the Muni Metro subway between Embarcadero and Castro stations.

There is no estimate as to when regular Muni Metro service through the Twin Peaks Tunnel will resume. An update will be provided before this afternoon's commute.

The derailment has damaged a communications loop that is part of Muni Metro's Advanced Train Control System (ATCS). This loop will need to be repaired before automatic service can resume through the tunnel. There is no estimate as to how long this repair will take. SFMTA staff is working to re-rail the train and inspect the track.

The cause of the derailment is under investigation by the SFMTA.

SFist commenter Be_Devine claims a fight broke out at the Castro Street station, reportedly due in part to Muni frustration. He tells us, "Cops were flooding into Castro station this morning reporting a fight on the platform. The furor of a delayed and pissed off queen is nothing to trifle with, so I chose to walk down to visit my old, reliable friend, BART." So, please, try to treat each other with a bit more patience today. Because you're all going to need it, Muni riders.

This just in via the trusty funcheapSF.com: From 6 to 9 a.m. on Friday morning, BART riders will receive FREE Ghirardelli Luxe Milk Almond Chocolates and coupon cards at the following stations: Downtown Berkeley, Oakland City Center/12th Street, Embarcadero, Montgomery Street, Powell Street and Civic Center. The giveaway is valued at an estimated $1 million. (We assume Ghirardelli is footing the bill?) The sugar boost might make the extra crowded train ride just a little more bearable.

The possibility of a BART strike has most likely been eliminated, as 80 percent of the members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555 have voted in favor of BART's tentative agreement, which the other two unions had already approved two weeks ago. The new contract keeps wages intact and limits layoffs, but it gives management more authority over employee assignments, which will hopefully reduce the need for overtime. The union members will also have to pay more for premium health benefits. In later years, employees might be eligible for raises if there is savings in retirement benefits. ATU Local 1555 President Jesse Hunt said, ""We have accepted the cuts and sacrifices asked of us for the next four years, which were greater than those asked of any other employees, union or nonunion." The tentative agreement must now be ratified by the BART Board of Directors.