The state Board of Education's budget committee yesterday postponed a public hearing on a proposal to eliminate some school bus routes because of an estimated $12 million deficit in the state's school transportation budget.

The item will be heard at the board's next general business meeting, tomorrow at 3 p.m.

The DOE plans to eliminate some bus routes for secondary students in suburban O'ahu neighborhoods and potentially increase bus fares again, effective July 1, to match increases in student city bus fees of $1.25. Students currently pay 75 cents to ride the school bus, an increase that went into effect on Jan. 1.