COMMUTER rail operator Metrorail is planning service reductions and job retrenchments as a result of a R300-million budget shortfall. This came after the transport ministry axed the parastatal’s request for R1,55-billion for its 1999 budget amid increasing demands for ministry resources. Government and the commuter operator is negotiating budget cuts, retrenchments and station closings. Metrorail spokesman Thabang Mamonyane said the government is sympathetic, and that Metrorail hopes for “a positive response”.