NEW YORK, NY February 12, 2007 —Thanks to a sizable contribution, mass transit advocates will study how a free transportation system might save the city millions of dollars.

Last week, environmentalist Theodore Kheel donated $100,000 to the Institute for Rational Urban Mobility to help pay for the 4 month study. Kheel compared a free transportation system to New Yorkers not paying a fee for the use of the fire and police departments.

The philanthropist says increased use of mass transit would improve public health, reduce the time lost to congestion, as well as prices on goods delivered within the city.