On November 15, 1968, Cleveland introduced a rapid transit line linking Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to downtown, the first direct airport-to-city heavy rail connection in the United States. The line allowed travelers and workers to reach the city center without relying on cars, taxis, or buses. Its construction showed how existing urban rail systems could be extended to serve airports. The service became part of the broader Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority network. It inspired other U.S. cities to explore similar rail links as air travel grew. The project signaled a shift toward more integrated regional transport planning.
