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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Colorado Springs is considering major cuts to the metro system as it attempts to remedy a budget shortfall.

The Springs may cut 50,000 hours of bus service by this April.

The transit is one of many departments facing significant cuts as the city tries to make up for a nearly 17 million dollar budget shortfall resulting from a decline in sales tax revenue.

Putting a stop to certain bus routes couldn't come at a worse time for riders.

"We need it to get to work, to go to doctor's appointments," said Christine Pierce.

"To go to school to go to friends' houses.," said Richard Micciulli.

Metro use is at an all-time high up three percent from last year.

"I'm having to use it all the time since I found out my car was unrepeatable," said Rhonda Sullivan.

"Everyday, Monday through Friday," said Travis Hightower.

The Mountain Metropolitan Transit already cut 25,000 service hours in early January, and raised prices.

"$1.75 dollars is pretty much a lot. I pay about $17.50 a week but it's still cheaper than a car," Hightower said.

Now 50,000 additional services hours could be out the door.

The transit plans to eliminate 9 routes plus the FREX, DASH and Sunday service.

Seven other routes would be reduced.

A proposal riders say would take away their livelihood.

"I don't know how I'll keep going," Sullivan said.

"I'll lose my job possibly. I have got to have a way to get to work," Hightower said.

"I'd get stranded or I'd have a heck of a time getting to where I need to go," Pierce said.

"That would be a major inconvenience for me," Micciulli said.

No decisions have been made yet.

The city will meet February 24 to decide how much the transit and every other city service will have to cut.