I noticed that Google Maps offered me directions via Public Transit last night, and sure enough it seemed correct. Here is the only announcement I could find:

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/05/rta_tripplanning_is_just_a_cli.html

I still can't get it to suggest me taking the rapid anywhere however, it seems to only have bus routes, or to really, really prefer them.

It might just be where you're going... I've plugged a couple of basic rapid rides in there and it definitely suggests the rapid to get there. I've also had suggestions of combination rapid/bus rides. I do live about ten minutes from the southside rapid station, though.

The Plain Dealer had the same article you linked a few weeks ago. RTA should put something about it on their site but I haven't seen anything.

I came across this a few weeks ago and tried it out just for the heck of it. I live on the west side and work in Mayfield heights (45 minute drive), and according to that it would take me 2 hrs, 52 minutes to get to work Yes, It routed me on the rapid.

oh, i am loving this

I got it to do a rapid trip for me... there is a button that switches between bus and rapid and combination of the both...