NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff announced that $3 million is being awarded to Nashville to replace four hybrid buses with zero-emissions electric buses that will serve downtown riders.

Rogoff announced the funding during a news conference Friday in Nashville, The Tennessean reported (http://tnne.ws/PiIfpH).

The electric buses will be part of the Music City Circuit, which is a free bus service that runs in the central business district and connects to areas like the state Capitol and the Nashville Farmer's Market.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said the circuit is an important service with the new convention center under construction. The city also has plans for a bus rapid transit connecter and is also seeking federal funding for that project.