Plans for fast buses in city announced

Buses soon will fly through Chicago at the speed of light - or at least much faster than now - federal officials announced this morning.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters pledged $153 million to create a bus-rapid-transit program in the city on four designated corridors.

The aim of the program is to reduce congestion and gridlock in Chicago. The city will use the funding to build 10 miles of what is anticipated eventually to be 100 miles of bus rapid transit.

But the specific streets to be designated for rapid transit was among several unanswered questions during a press conference with Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago Transit Authority leaders.

The buses will travel on designated lanes and be equipped with cameras that enhance security.

The strategy also involves raising meter fees for street parking in the city during peak hours, but those costs weren't available.

Officials said they will release the routes the buses will use soon. The new system could be running within a year.

The CTA will use new hybrid buses for the program, reducing pollution from emissions.

"This will create a better transit community and better air," Peters said.