Pie-IX Blvd., one of the busiest boulevards in Montreal, is getting a major facelift.

Two reserved lanes for express buses will be added to the centre of the boulevard, stretching from Laval to the South Shore.

The announcement was made Thursday by Quebec Transport Minister Julie Boulet, who was accompanied by Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay and Laval mayor Gilles Vaillancourt.

The old bus lane on the boulevard was closed in 2002, after two pedestrians were struck and killed by buses.

Tremblay said the $150-million Pie-IX project will make the boulevard safer, and also encourage people to use public transit.

The goal is for the "Bus Rapid Transit" system -- or BRT -- to attract up to 70,000 people per day.

"We're talking about the quality of life for our citizens, and this will make our city greener and more respectful of the environment," said Tremblay.

Joel Gauthier, president of the AMT, said the system will revolutionize public transit in Montreal.

"We will have stations for the passengers, the sidewalks will be different at the crossing, and it will be built state of the art -- like what they are doing elsewhere, in the States and around the world," Gauthier said.

CTV Montreal reporter Aphrodite Salas spoke to a number of people who welcomed the idea of speedier travel.

"I think it's a very good idea, because it's very long waiting outside," said public transit user Isabelle Duquette.

The project is expected to be completed in 2013.