NASHVILLE (AP) — The Federal Transit Administration has signed off on a plan to run dedicated bus rapid transit lanes through Nashville.

The city said Monday the FTA approved the Metro Transit Authority plan to pursue federal funding for the project, called the Amp.

Mayor Karl Dean called the approval a major step forward for the bus rapid transit system, which will link East and West Nashville.

Successfully completing the project development would put the Amp in line for up to $75 million in federal funds.

The 7.1-mile route will stretch from Five Points in East Nashville to St. Thomas West Hospital. It will use wheeled vehicles that operate much like subway trains with multiple doors that allow quick boarding and exit.