The Atlanta Regional Commission, in partnership with the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority and the state Department of Transportation, is conducting a nine-month study to determine the possibility of bringing new magnetic transportation technology to the South.

The Atlanta to Chattanooga corridor is one of seven areas competing for Federal Railroad Administration funding for a demonstration project to showcase the new technology.

As part of the study, ARC is inviting the public to attend meetings and learn more about Maglev (magnetic levitation) technology and provide comments for the study.

A transportation technology that relies on magnetic fields to propel cars along friction-free guideways as speeds of more than 250 mph with virtually no moving parts, Maglev is touted as providing quiet operation, exceptional efficiency and low maintenance costs.

If constructed, the 110-mile Atlanta-Chattanooga line would allow trips between the two cities in less than an hour.

The closest public meeting to Fayette County will be Tuesday, Oct. 19, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Georgia International Conference Center on Sullivan Road in College Park. Meetings also are set for the same time Oct. 18 at the Cobb Civic Center and Oct. 21 at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library.

For directions or information phone 404-364-4228.