The aftermath of the Nov. 2 election left many with nothing more than disappointment. Since the two tax increases did not pass, the city must compensate for a $97 million projected deficit over the next year and half -- and a Muni bus ride could soon cost $1.50.

The two ballot measures that affect San Francisco's budget were Propositions J and K. Proposition J would have increased the sales tax in the city by one quarter of one percent. Fifty-eight percent of voters declined the tax.

“I voted no on the sales tax,” said SF State student Vince Venenciano. “The tax here is already higher than everywhere else. I think it’s ludicrous to raise it.”

Proposition K would have charged businesses a temporary gross-receipts tax one tenth of one percent of their total earnings. Fifty-four percent of voters voted against it.

City officials believe that the transportation agency could wipe out $10 million of the $97 million deficit by raising the fares by 25 cents. The last Muni fare increase was just over a year ago when the price went from $1 to $1.25 in September 2003.

“I rarely take the Muni, but $1.50 is still cheaper than $2.50 [a gallon] for gas,” said Venenciano.

"If the fare increase was going to help Muni, I'd support it," said creative writing major Leigh Gallagher. "I was unhappy with the way many of the propositions turned out."

Muni is not the only department hit hard by the budget shortfall. The Department of Public Health will be the hardest hit by the cutbacks and may lose 75 jobs. The Department of Public Works, along with the Recreation and Park Deaprtment, will also suffer.

The San Francisco Fire Department will lose $7 million; Muni will lose $10 million; cuts to Recreation and Park Department will be around $3.5 million; and Public Health’s budget will shrink by $23 million.