Chapel Hill, N.C. — Chapel Hill's free public transportation system has been honored as an innovative way to increase energy efficiency and to help curb global warming.

Mayor Kevin Foy accepted the award on behalf on the town during the 2008 Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards.

Chapel Hill Transit has been free to riders since 2001. An estimated 6.5 million people will use the service in 2008.

"It has reduced vehicle miles traveled, which means cleaner air and a better quality of life. A robust transit system is vital given the recent sudden increases in oil prices and the difficult economic times,” Foy said.