Touting a new spoke in the wheel of the region?s public transportation system, Mayor Sheila Dixon appointed a transportation expert Wednesday to bolster efforts in the 12-mile Red Line project.

The new line, which would be either a light-rail or rapid-bus transit, is estimated to move 40,000 riders a day between Woodlawn?s Social Security complex and Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. With possible Red Line stops in upper Fells Point and Canton, the mayor said strengthening the city?s mass transit is key to the city?s growth.