In a combined effort to make Whitehorse Transit more user-friendly and to get ready for the Canada Winter Games, the city will test out new bus routes next week.

Transit manager Dave Muir said Thursday the city will begin test runs of new express service beginning Monday.

'The express Christmas service is in preparation for the Canada Games,' he told the Star. 'The mayor (Bev Buckway) announced in the budget speech (last Monday) that there will be enhanced service during the Games.'

The test runs are designed to work out any bugs the new schedules may have.

During her budget speech, Buckway announced the city had budgeted $80,000 for enhanced bus service.

'... Council approved $80,000 for an express transit service that will feature a 15-minute schedule to the downtown from the Canada Games Centre during the Whitehorse Jeux du Canada Games,' Buckway said Monday.

'This cost will be offset by approximately $20,000 to $30,000 in special Games-time ticket revenue.'

Muir said the test runs are based on recommendations made by the transit task force, which has been meeting over the past year.

'The express routes are based on those recommendations.'

Muir said there will be six express runs which will begin and end at the Games centre as well as the downtown loop, which will use Second and Fourth Avenues.

'The transit service is getting a whole new look,' he said.

The six express loop routes, which begin and end at the Games centre, will serve: McIntyre, Takhini, Hillcrest, Crestview, Porter Creek and Riverdale.

'These routes will use the major arteries; this will help to increase the frequency of service,' he said.

The feature of the downtown loop is that it will be running from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., he said.

The other express routes will feature enhanced evening service running from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

During the Games, Muir said, the transit department will use its new buses and offer a special commemorative pass, which will cost $20 and be valid for two weeks.

'They'll be good for two weeks and you'll be able to keep the passes. The passes will actually be two of the murals that are up at city hall,' he said.

The new buses, Muir said, were driven to Whitehorse from Montreal recently. They are being housed in the garage at the transit department and were unveiled today in front of city hall.