LOS ANGELES — Supporters and opponents of the aerial gondola project that would take passengers from Union Station to Dodger Stadium spoke publicly for the first time at a Metro committee meeting on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit system (LA ART), is privately funded through former Dodgers’ owner, Frank McCourt. But it would still need approval from Metro, the LA City Council, Caltrans and even the state’s Parks and Recreation Department to move forward.

The project would cost approximately $500 million to build and additional money to maintain. The full Metro Board will vote on the project next Thursday, Feb 22.