Metro North ridership is down again.  For the third time in the railroad's 27-year history, ridership took a hit.  The railroad reports there were four-percent fewer riders last year, than there were in 2008.  Railroad officials attribute the drop to riders losing their jobs and the bad economy.  As a result, just over 501 million dollars in fare revenue was brought in to the railroad last year, down slightly from the 502 million dollars generated in fares in 2008. 

Service cuts could also be on the way with the MTA facing a massive budget hole and lower-than-expected revenues from a payroll tax.  Hearings on the matter are set to kick off on Monday. Metro North spokeswoman Marjorie Anders says the first hearing will be held at the White Plains Performing Arts center March 1 at 6 p.m. Another will be held at the Holiday Inn in Suffern on March 4.