With city council voting on the proposed 2004 budget in two weeks, a group calling itself the Transit Improvement Committee is pushing council to establish a citizens' advisory transit committee.

'Our two primary concerns over the past year have been the need for some genuine two-way communication between Whitehorse Transit and transit users and more public input into the decision-making process,' long-time resident Brian Eaton told council on Monday night. He spoke during the public input section into the budget.

He noted a citizens' advisory transit committee would:

• monitor and evaluate the success of service;

• look at partnering opportunities with environmental, disability and seniors' projects;

• work on integrating transit with other city services;

• investigate possible economic opportunities;

• cooperate with council on finding long-term solutions to transit woes;

• advise council; and

• provide consultation on transit issues.

The committee could meet once a month and be made up of five community members, the transit manager and at least one council member, Eaton noted.

'When looking at the city's corporate values, the only one that is currently relevant to transit appears to be fiscal responsibility,' he said. The city's three values of a sense of community, quality service and environmental awareness need more attention, he added.

Last July, the city cut its transit service, combining some routes, eliminating others and cutting back its pick-up schedule to every 70 minutes during non-peak hours. Fares were also boosted.

No changes are proposed for the system this year.

'We would like to work with mayor and council over the next 2 1/2 years to improve Whitehorse Transit by establishing a respectful and cooperative two-way communication process between transit and citizens,' Eaton said.

'It is our hope that this council will leave a legacy to the citizens of Whitehorse of an effective, efficient and workable transit system.'

Another delegate encouraged the city to look at how other northern areas such as Fairbanks and Iceland have increased ridership on their systems.

In Fairbanks, the other delegate said, transit is offered free for three months during the winter, while in Iceland, residents are encouraged not to buy a vehicle and make use of public transit.

What better way to ensure residents don't idle their vehicles than by encouraging public transit, she asked.

Whitehorse resident Carole Bookless also pushed for the city to establish a transit committee along with a number of other boards and committees similar to those the city had a number of years ago.

The major issue for Bookless in the budget is there's no money set aside for the boards and committees, which were an election issue last fall.

'I think it could be a cost savings,' Bookless told council.

She pointed to the issue of the bus transfer area being moved to the Takhini Arena several years ago.

When that didn't work and arena-area residents protested, the city had to move the transfer point back to Ogilvie Street.

If a transit committee had been in place, the city may have been able to come up with a better solution, saving it the money spent on moving the transfer area, she said.

'They offer a different perspective,' she said of the citizens' committees.

She was questioned by Coun. Doug Graham on what boards she would most like to see. Bookless replied she would want boards for all city departments, but planning and transit seem to be getting the most support.

Meanwhile, Jenny Trapnell, the president of the Riverdale Community Association, pointed out that while the city is working on improving the downtown waterfront area, it has no plans for the Riverdale waterfront, which provides a more natural area for recreation.

Trapnell also suggested the importance of the city working more closely with the territorial government on wood smoke control to make air 'cleaner for everybody.'

Coun. Dave Stockdale asked her if there was an area she could see the city moving money from to fund her proposals. Trapnell pointed out Bookless had mentioned the funding for staff development.

She also questioned the extent of road improvements that were needed and whether the city can wait a year to do some.

Stephen Reynolds, the manager of the Yukon Quest's Whitehorse office, also thanked the city for its past support.

Under the proposed 2004 budget, the Quest would receive $7,500.

Reynolds noted the city has assisted the annual sled dog race, which runs between Whitehorse and Fairbanks each year both with in-kind services and cash.

Reynold told council he would like to see the donations changed so that during a year when the race starts in Whitehorse, it would receive more, being offset the following year with a smaller donation.

The annual race alternates its start between Whitehorse and Fairbanks each year.

During the start years in Whitehorse, it costs more with in-kind services like bringing in snow, he noted. This year's race will finish in Whitehorse.

Anne Aram, executive director of the Whitehorse Youth Centre, also thanked council for its assistance of $30,000 to help operate the facility and another $15,000 for the down payment for a new youth centre.

'We are currently at the $50,000-mark,' Aram said of the centre's fundraising efforts for a down payment on a new youth centre.

Last year, the centre held a month-long fundraising campaign for the down payment, receiving $36,000, including $21,000 from TD-Canada Trust.

The group is also working with YTG to get additional funding.