The first route in a planned advanced rapid transit system for San Antonio could be well on its way, with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announcing Wednesday the agency would recommend the project for federal funding.

What could become San Antonio’s first such system was among seven projects in six states nationwide added to President Joe Biden’s list recommended for funding in 2023.

If approved, VIA Metropolitan Transit would receive $158 million from the federal government for the project in 2024.

The estimated $320 million project would establish dedicated lanes along San Pedro Avenue for a north-south rapid transit bus corridor between the San Antonio International Airport and downtown. If funded, construction on the 12-mile corridor for a rapid transit system could start in 2025.