PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Portland's budget-busting tram makes its public debut on Saturday.

Two enclosed silvery cars are shuttling between Portland's south waterfront and what's known as "Pill Hill," the home of Oregon Health & Science University.

The tram cost $57 million to build, which is double what the city council approved in 2004 and the expected operating cost nearly doubled, to about $1.7 million a year.

OHSU is paying for 85 percent of that. To come up with the rest, the city set the roundtrip fare at $4. OHSU personnel, students and patients ride for free, as will people who hold Tri-Met and Portland Streetcar passes.

Rides are free this weekend, but the spots were spoken for days ago. Free rides also are scheduled Friday nights and Saturdays during February.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)