Theodore Kheel, a long-time advocate for congestion pricing and free transit in New York City, has died at the age of 96, The Times reported tonight. Kheel came to fame in New York City as a labor mediator known for bringing together people who otherwise were at odds, and he grew to be an influential voice in New York politics for many decades. Recently, Kheel has used his resources to make the rigorous case for free transit.
In 2008, amidst the political battle for congestion pricing, Kheel unveiled his balanced transportation analyzer. Developed by Charles Koumanoff and supported by Kheel’s millions, the BTA explored how congestion pricing could restore the subway to fiscal health while reducing the fare to $0. Kheel and Koumanoff continued to refine the BTA even as Mayor Bloomberg’s plan met its political demise. Kheel, instrumental in forcing the city to examine the lack of financing available for building the Utica and Nostran Ave. subway extensions, will be deeply missed within the transit community.
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Rest in peace.