Facing a $28.4 million budget shortfall, SamTrans is implementing a number of cost-cutting measures, including the elimination of service on seven routes and service reductions on six others, effective Dec. 20.

Six express routes to San Francisco will be canceled: DX, FX, MX, NX, PX and RX. Additionally, route 342 has been cut. The routes with reduced service are the KX, 14, 141, 280, 390 and 391. Other deficit-reducing efforts include a hiring freeze, furloughs and layoffs for nearly 60 employees.

The budget gap is the result of a decline in local sales tax revenue, reductions in state funding and decreased ridership, according to the transit agency. In addition to the bus service reductions, SamTrans also will increase fares Feb. 1.