Trimet officials propose an increase in fares and an end to the "free zone" in an effort to cover a 17-million-dollar budget shortfall. Trimet says those proposals, in conjunction with agency streamlining and layoffs, would balance the books. The agency also proposes eliminating the downtown free-ride zone for max light-rail passengers, a measure officials say would save about two-point-seven-million dollars. Public hearings on the proposals will be held.