University to take part in cab meter study

GW is set to participate in a study to find out how meters would affect cab fare rates across the city.

Last week 24 D.C. cabs equipped with meters hit the streets to compare cab fares between the current zone fare system and metered costs, said Kathryn Newcomer, director of the School of Public Policy and Public Administration.

For the next eight months the selected cabs will operate with meters, but will continue to charge customers based on the zone system. Newcomer said that for each ride, cab drivers will record the distance they traveled, the price of metered rates and the amount they actually charged customers.

“We want to see which costs more, meters or zones,” Newcomer said. “Our goal is to figure out what charges should be for meters to keep this a cost-neutral change.”

Newcomer said the study examined metered costs in several cities, including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and local neighboring counties, to derive a D.C. cab ride’s base charge and the costs per mile. The study will examine approximately 50,000 cab rides.

Newcomer said the District plans to convert to a metered fare system within the next two years, and city officials approached several area universities to help analyze data in the study. Findings will be released next year.

-Marissa Levy

GW announces Bender Award recipients

At the end of the month, GW will present six professors with the Bender Teaching award, an honor given to professors who are outstanding educators and work toward the development of faculty activities.

Winners are Richard Robin, associate professor of Russian and international affairs; Dianne Martin, professor of engineering and applied science; Christopher Cahill, assistant professor of chemistry; Dolores Perillan, part-time instructor in Spanish; Jocelyne Brant, assistant professor of French; and Robert Eisen, acting chair of the department of religion and professor of religion.

“Students and faculty alike support these nominations, and it’s gratifying to see not only the excitement generated over teaching excellence but also the recognition that these awards provide to highly deserving members of the GW teaching community,” said Craig Linebaugh, associate vice president for academic planning and development, in a news statement.

-Ryan Holeywell