CyRide is exploring ways to erase a $250,000 budget deficit, the effect of increased gas prices.

Anna Fox, Government of the Student Body senator and member of the CyRide Board of Trustees, said three possible solutions to counteract the budget deficit are to increase fares, service change options or local funding partner share increases.

One solution brought up at last week’s GSB meeting by some members of the senate was to use funds from CyRide’s trust fund, which currently stands at $1.2 million.

Warren Madden, vice president of business and finance, said the CyRide board would have to approve the usage of the trust fund money.

Each year, GSB provides 61 percent of CyRide’s budget and the remaining 39 percent is provided by the city of Ames.

When student fees provide more money than what was originally budgeted, the surplus goes into the trust fund.

Madden said once the money is put into the trust fund, it becomes the board’s responsibility.

“Years when the enrollments go down, we take money out of the trust fund for that year. If there’s anything above our normal service rate, our board would need to approve it,” said Sheri Kyras, CyRide transit director.

Kyras said the two students who serve on the CyRide Board of Trustees act as the voice of the student body, in voting whether or not to utilize the trust fund.

Fox said in the past, the trust fund money has been used for special projects, such as organizing a new route.

Tom Wacha, who serves on the Ames City Council and CyRide’s Board of Trustees, said he wasn’t at last week’s City Council meeting, but to his knowledge the council has not addressed the issue.

“I believe they are waiting for CyRide to come up with possible solutions before the City Council discusses any options,” Wacha said.

Kyras said the board would be presenting some ideas it has to reduce the budget issue at a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the City Hall Council Chambers.

She also said the transit board would meet again on Sept. 22 to discuss the issue and possibly to make a decision during that meeting.