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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A fine increase for speeding in school and construction zones is officially on the way in Yellowknife, as the city comes into line with territorial regulations.

The territorial government increased fines in September, and under the Motor Vehicles Act Yellowknife's bylaw must conform.

Exceeding the speed limit in a school or construction zone by one to 15 km/h will cost drivers $100; doing so by 16 to 30 km/h will incur a $150 fine; from 31 to 50 km/h will incur $200, and anything more will land the driver a date in court.

"I guess I can't have a problem with this," said Coun. Dave McCann, adding council must approve the bylaw change to fines.

It's "the law of the land," he said.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Mike Brandford briefed city council members on October's crime statistics last week.

Brandford reported that the RCMP opened 22 files associated with impaired driving last month.

"But that doesn't mean there were 22 cases," he said, adding the number was more indicative of the calls RCMP received in relation to drunk driving.

Brandford also mentioned the campaign to get drivers off their cell phones - and one individual who did not yield to an emergency vehicle.

"That individual is charged with an offence," he said.

City councillors discussed possible low-cost improvements to the city's public transit system during a Priorities, Policies and Budget committee meeting last week.

The changes were prompted by recommendations of the recently-released Yellowknife Transit Route Analysis Study, commissioned by the city last November.

The study, completed by Ontario-based Entra Consultants, suggested various changes - some free and some costing as high as $600,000.

Of the changes that would cost the city, the cheapest is $250,000, according to public works director Dennis Kefalas. Such changes would have to be worked into the upcoming budget if council passed them this year.

However, the city outlined plenty of free improvements in the study. Among them are full day Saturday service from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; reducing service on Route 1 during off-peak periods; and adding a second express bus to the Frame Lake South route.

"It's a very good start," said Coun. Paul Falvo. "Full-day service on Saturday is something that's long overdue."

Additional hours on Saturday could be added essentially cost-free by using the hours gained from the reduction in Route 1 and applying them to Saturday's schedule.

The city hopes to increase ridership.

"I'm pleased not to have to throw a whole bunch of money at the system ... more than we're already doing," said Coun. Dave McCann.