Wherever the financial ax falls to correct a projected $3 million budget deficit, it should avoid cutting the new Sprinter passenger train service between Oceanside and Escondido, transit officials said yesterday.

The Coaster train between Oceanside and San Diego, and bus service in rural areas may not be similarly spared.

The North County Transit District board of directors wrestled for nearly three hours yesterday with ways to cut $3 million from the coming fiscal year budget.

The budget anticipates $92.5 million in revenue and $95.6 million in expenses during the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Flagging sales-tax revenues and soaring fuel prices are hurting the district, which operates the Sprinter, Coaster and Breeze bus service, said Richard Hannasch, the district's director of fiscal and support services.

"Ridership must recognize the phenomenal increase in the cost of gas," said board president Ed Gallo, an Escondido city councilman.