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Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) officials April 6 launched a 15-month study of transit needs for the area surrounding Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.


"We want to look at ways to better connect Hopkins with nearby developments," said RTA Chief Executive Officer Joe Calabrese in a prepared statement. "We will explore many different options, including automated personal rapid transit."


Currently, RTA’s Red Line ends at the city-owned airport. Officials hope to increase Red Line ridership, as well as provide a better alternative to those traveling in and around the airport, and people traveling from the airport to areas nearby.


RTA officials and Wilber Smith Associates representatives met April 6 with airport, state and local government and private sector representatives in the first of several sessions designed to guide the study and provide input at key decision points over the study’s course.


Area transportation experts will comprise a Technical Review Committee to provide technical input regarding ridership potential, operating plans, financing costs, and other technical aspects.


RTA’s board approved the $488,000 study in December 2000, for which the federal government is contributing $390,000, or 80 percent.