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UW student teams create pilot solutions for future road usage charge

The gas tax is the state’s principal source of revenue for its road, bridges, and ferries. Industry forecasts predict that fuel efficiency will rise from its current 20.5 mpg to 35 mpg by 2035. As that happens, state gas tax revenue will decline by as much as 50 percent. In partnership with the state, UW students have created smartphone apps that track road usage, while giving the user privacy control.

Why every innovation can’t be the next iPhone

Is “innovation” an unquestionable good? Some innovation is clearly better than other innovation — and not all innovations are created equal. We should measure innovation by its ability to improve people’s lives, says UW Information School professor Jacob Wobbrock. And even though an innovation may only improve one person’s life or the lives of millions, a life-improving innovation is better than an idle innovation that gathers dust.