NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Nashville's Metro Council is trying to get bus riders some relief by making some changes to the budget.

Video: Budget Changes Would Benefit MTA Bus Riders

Just as high gas prices had more people wanting to catch the bus, routes were cut and fares went up for Metro Transit Authority buses.

A Metro Council representative said on Monday that the goal was to bring $1 million back to the MTA so no routes have to be cut from the system.

MTA's CEO said ridership is at an all time high and that it’s growing, so the MTA needs the money.

The CEO added that with the money, MTA will be able to restore three routes but will still need to cut four, but said that 97 percent of riders won’t be affected.

The money will come from other Metro departments, including Mayor Karl Dean’s office, the Metro Arts Commission, contingency accounts and money from the Adventure Science Museum.

One council member said such a move makes good sense.

"I think one of the things you’re going to see the council respond to is increased funding for MTA. We've heard loud and clear from our constituents that providing bus service is important, and that the cuts that are currently proposed by the MT Board were just not acceptable," said Jason Holleman.

Later in the week, the council is set to get a report about all of the vehicles in Metro’s fleet including how many are take-home, how many are SUVs and how many can be parked for the short-term.

The report comes as all Metro departments analyze spending in the midst of a lean budget year.

The Metro council is set to vote on the budget changes Tuesday night.