The MTA held a finance meeting on Monday to decide how it will pay for expansions to the transit system.

The MTA planned for a $10 billion expansion plan, but Elliot Sander, a spokesperson for the MTA, said that subway projects like station renovations will be delayed, adding that any modifications they make to the transit system will not jeopardize riders? safety.

The MTA has an estimated $500-700 million deficit for 2009, which they blame on lowered real estate taxes and the rise of gas.

In order to pay for the expansion plan, board members also discussed the possibility of raising fares and cutting back on service. Reduction in service would save the MTA $2 billion. It will vote on how to pay for the plan in July during a budget meeting.