Bay City News Service

A train at the Caltrain station in downtown Palo Alto

Caltrain has received hundreds of messages from members of the public about potential ways to address its budget deficit, including fare hikes and service cuts, a Caltrain spokeswoman said Wednesday.

More than 300 messages have been sent to the agency about its fiscal problems, which could mean a 25-cent fare increase, fewer trains on weekdays, and a complete suspension of weekend service, Caltrain spokeswoman Christine Dunn said.

Many messages have favored eliminating midday trains, Dunn said. Cutting midday service would save Caltrain about $175,000 annually, she said.

Caltrain needs to make cuts to close a $2.3 million budget gap, Dunn said.

Train riders will be able to voice their opinions on the proposals in meetings at four locations on Thursday.

Meetings will start at 6 p.m. at the San Francisco Caltrain station, Caltrain headquarters in San Carlos, and the San Jose Diridon station.

At the Gilroy Caltrain station, meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m., 7:07 p.m. and 7:47 p.m., all immediately after southbound train arrivals.