With the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate propelling rapid growth in the UK's EV parc, this pivotal moment brings both exciting prospects and significant hurdles for fleet electrification.

In this episode, part of our Ramping Up series charting the inflexion point in the demand for EVs across Europe, we spoke to Toby Poston, CEO of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), to address the critical challenges and opportunities in the UK's EV landscape.

The session provides valuable insights and practical guidance for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and businesses navigating the evolving EV ecosystem.

Key takeaways

 * Stabilising the used EV market: What strategies can bolster demand and stabilize prices in the used EV sector, ensuring a sustainable transition to zero-emission vehicles.
 * Navigating regulatory changes for electric vans: Can we anticipate constructive change from the UK’s public consultation on the ZEV Mandate, including policy and fiscal support for commercial fleet electrification?
 * Enhancing fleet charging infrastructure: We discussed the importance of developing fleet-focused public charging solutions and the role of local authorities in attracting private investment.
 * Recent policy developments: What does the Government’s extension of the plug-in van grant and increased grant for wheelchair accessible electric vehicles mean for drivers and the market?

Guest(s)

 * Toby Poston, CEO, British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA)

Host(s)

 * Elaine Meshki, Principal Consultant, Steer

www.steergroup.com [https://steergroup.com/]

#13 Ramping Up: What's Putting the Brakes on Fleet Electrification in the UK?

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates, questions remain around the pace, scale, and long-term commercial viability of the infrastructure needed to support it.

In this episode, part of our Ramping Up series, leaders from investment, banking, advisory and policy came together to examine how we can unlock scalable, investable EV charging infrastructure and what it will take to build a commercially sustainable network.

Hear expert perspectives on:

 * Charging business models: Performance across AC and rapid charging, neighbourhood and en-route solutions, and how consumer and commercial demand is shifting.
 * Public policy and regulation: How government and local authorities can help shape a viable market and support delivery at scale.
 * Capital and funding: What investors and lenders are looking for, and how funding can be unlocked to support infrastructure rollout.
 * Commercial risk and bankability: Managing operational and financial risks in a still-evolving market.
 * Technology and innovation: The role of new tech in shaping viable models and enhancing future resilience.

Bringing together leaders from across the EV ecosystem, this discussion provides valuable insights into how commercial realities, policy frameworks, and innovation intersect to drive deployment – and where the most promising opportunities lie for future investment and impact.

 * The question is not whether the transition will happen, but when. Despite that certainty, however, investment depends on greater predictability regarding where and when charging demand will emerge, the types of charging infrastructure drivers prefer, and what they are willing to pay.
 * Investment appetite correlates with operating risk. To capitalise on this fast-growing sector, more efficient investment may require much closer focus on associated commercial risk.
 * Create a customer-centric experience, and investability rests on the operator’s laser-like focus on the customer's EV charging experience.
   
   www.steergroup.com [https://steergroup.com/]

#12 Ramping Up: Unlocking the Value in EV Infrastructure Investment

Each Football season sees millions of people across the UK travel for matches, creating unique challenges for transport operators. In this episode, Gary Steele, Project Lead for the Football on Rail Initiative at the Rail Delivery Group, joins Gemma Bedlow from Steer’s Sports and Major Events team to explore the role that the rail industry plays in this logistical challenge.

Gary shares insights into the Football on Rail Initiative, discussing ways to improve collaboration between rail operators and football clubs and make matchday journeys smoother and more sustainable. From addressing fan travel behaviours to coordinating with clubs, this episode looks at the opportunities and challenges of aligning rail with the needs of football supporters.

Key takeaways

 * Adapting to evolving travel patterns:  Commuting used to dominate the railway industry. Post-pandemic, leisure travel has played an increasingly important role. Football is a key part of this. Week after week, fans travel in large numbers, creating distinct and intense travel demands. Rail operators are trying to adapt their business models to refocus on fans, within a system set up for commuters. They are facing obstacles along the way.
 * Collaboration for better matchday travel: The Football on Rail Initiative extends beyond football clubs and rail operators — it brings all key stakeholders together. This includes event organisers, blue light services, local, regional and national government bodies, as well as fan groups and travel agents. The Initiative brings these partners together to focus on one goal – the safe, efficient, sustainable and pleasant movement of fans around the country. Good ideas and best practice are shared nationwide.
 * Sustainability as a catalyst for progress: Making football travel more sustainable is both a pressing challenge and a shared ambition. Achieving greener matchday journeys requires a strong commitment from clubs and coordinated efforts between them, rail operators and governing bodies. By positioning sustainability as a driving force, stakeholders can focus efforts on reducing the carbon footprint of matchday travel while embracing innovative changes that benefit both fans and the environment.

Guest(s)

 * Gary Steele, Project Lead, Football on Rail Initiative, Rail Delivery Group.

Host(s)

 * Gemma Bedlow, Senior Consultant, Sports and Major Events, Steer

www.steergroup.com [https://www.steergroup.com/]

#11 From Pitch to Platform: Rail’s role in football

In the latest episode of Steer’s Voices of the Industry podcast series, Alia Verloes, Steer’s Lead for the New Mobility Market in North America, talks to three bike share and mobility equity leaders: Laura Mallonee, Director of Programs and Membership at the North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association (NABSA); Adriel Thornton, Executive Director of MoGo Detroit Bike Share; and Waffiyyah Murray, Better Bike Share Partnership Program Manager at the City of Philadelphia.

The conversation explores how bike share programs are becoming more inclusive and equitable. Our guests share their thoughts on how to embed equity into every part of bike share systems and how programs in cities like Detroit and Philadelphia are engaging the community, making bikes more accessible through adaptive bikes and driving social change.

An essential listen for those in transportation, urban mobility, and community engagement, this episode offers practical examples and strategies to help bike share programs serve as a catalyst for social equity and urban innovation.

Key takeaways

 * Equity in all parts of the program: Find out how the most impactful bike share programs weave equity into all components rather than treating it as a standalone initiative, ensuring greater access for all communities.
 * Expanding accessibility with adaptive & e-bikes: Learn about electrifying bike share fleets and introducing adaptive bikes so micromobility is accessible to people of all abilities and making inclusivity the core of transportation.
 * Community led approaches to engagement: Hear about community outreach strategies and the value of long-term partnerships with local communities to build programs that respond to their needs and priorities.

Guest(s)

 * Laura Mallonee, Director of Programs and Membership at the North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association (NABSA)
 * Adriel Thornton, Executive Director at MoGo Detroit Bike Share
 * Waffiyyah Murray, Better Bike Share Partnership Program Manager at the City of Philadelphia

Host(s)

 * Alia Verloes [https://steergroup.com/about/our-people/alia-verloes], North American New Mobility Market Lead, Steer.

www.steergroup.com [https://steergroup.com/]

#10 How can we create equitable shared mobility in North America?

The autonomous vehicle (AV) future is coming, but what that will look like and how soon it will arrive is yet to be seen.

One of the first steps in the US will be the connected autonomous vehicle corridor – or CAV corridor – on I-94 in Southeast Michigan, linking university town Ann Arbor with long-time manufacturing hub Detroit.

In this episode of Voices of the Industry Megan Brock, Senior Strategy Manager at Cavnue, and Toni Feather, Associate at Steer, discuss the revolutionary concept of CAV corridors and how this new digital infrastructure will transform road safety, congestion and the future of autonomous vehicles across North America.

An essential listen for those in transportation, infrastructure, and technology sectors, the episode highlights the partnership between Cavnue and the Michigan Department of Transportation as well as the role of Steer in bringing this smart infrastructure to life.

Key takeaways

 * CAV corridors: Learn how these smart highways use real-time data and advanced technologies to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and enhance traffic efficiency.
 * Public-private collaboration: The episode discusses how Cavnue’s partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation sets the foundation for the future of automated and connected vehicles on US roads.
 * Autonomous vehicle transition: Discover how CAV corridors will bridge the gap between today’s manual driving environment and the fully autonomous future, providing valuable data and insights along the way.

Guest(s)

 * Megan Brock, Senior Strategy Manager at Cavnue, leads strategic planning and development at Cavnue, focusing on advancing connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) infrastructure. With expertise in transportation innovation and a background in infrastructure projects, she is at the forefront of integrating smart technologies to transform the future of US roadways.
 * Toni Feather, Associate at Steer, is a transportation specialist at Steer with extensive experience in demand forecasting and infrastructure projects. She plays a key role in developing smart mobility solutions, contributing to the advancement of connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies in the US and beyond.

Host(s)

 * Tim Gallagher, Steer Journalist.
   
   www.steergroup.com [https://steergroup.com/]

#9 Highway to the future: Autonomous vehicles, CAV corridors and Smart Infrastructure in the US

In the latest episode of Steer's Voices of the Industry podcast series Steer Director Nicola Kane is joined by Mark Atherton, Director of Environment at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and Shivali Mathur of Amberside Advisors.

The episode delves into Local Area Energy Plans (LEAPs) and the role they play in helping local authorities take action on decarbonisation. The insightful discussion highlights the significant challenges and innovative solutions at play as Greater Manchester works towards its ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2038.

An essential guide to efforts to decarbonise at a local level, the episode shows that if local governments, private investors and the community come together ambitious climate goals can be met.

Key takeaways

 * Local Area Energy Plans (LEAPs): Discover how LEAPs function as data-driven spatial planning tools that help local authorities map their energy use and create bespoke roadmaps to net zero.
 * Investment strategies: The conversation covers the necessity of blending public and private finance to fund decarbonisation projects and the importance of creating robust business cases to attract investment.
 * Collaborative approaches: The podcast emphasises the need for collaboration between local and national governments, private investors, and communities to effectively implement sustainable energy solutions.

www.steergroup.com [https://steergroup.com/] 

#8 Sustainable cities: Manchester’s LAEP journey

In the latest episode in our ‘Voices of the Industry’ podcast series Steer is joined by Peter Gudde, Net Zero Programme Lead at the Greater South East Net Zero Hub.

As the urgency to address climate change intensifies, focus in the UK has shifted towards the value of localised decarbonisation solutions that fit the unique characteristics of the nation’s different economies and communities, both rural and urban.

Our episode is a whistle stop tour of everything Net Zero Hubs do to help a broad range of clients from local authorities to energy providers achieve their low-carbon ambitions. From knowledge sharing and best practice to developing new metrics for investment and a ‘long sighted’ approach to capital, here we learn about innovative approaches to a whole system change that affects everyone. 

Key takeaways

 * Local Area Energy Plans (LEAPs): The podcast highlights the significance of LEAPs in steering local climate solutions under the influence and control of local authorities.
 * Commercialising Net Zero projects: Discussion on how making net zero projects commercially viable is essential for their success, and how private sector funding is crucial in unlocking the potential of city-wide decarbonisation efforts.
 * Investment attraction: The necessity of attracting investments to fund local decarbonisation projects, blending public and private funds to create robust financing models.

Guest

 * Peter Gudde, Programme Lead for Net Zero for the Greater South East Net Zero Hub, has over 30 years of experience across sectors. He previously spearheaded sustainable energy initiatives at West Suffolk Council. Peter is also a doctoral researcher at the University of Suffolk, focusing on energy transition and governance in local government. He holds chartered qualifications in environmental and waste management.

Host(s)

 * Shivali Mathur [https://steergroup.com/about/our-people/shivali-mathur], Associate for Energy Transition, Amberside Advisors.
 * Tim Gallagher, Journalist at Steer.
   
   www.steergroup.com [https://steergroup.com/] 

#7 Unlocking city decarbonisation: Local solutions for global challenges

How can we make more efficient use of our transportation system? How can we encourage people out of their cars and onto bicycles, buses, trains or walking, or change the time that they travel or even where they travel to?

These questions are cast in a new light in a climate conscious, public-health focused post-COVID world and one place where answers can be found is in transportation demand management (TDM).

In this episode of ‘Voices of the Industry’, London-based Steer Director Lisa Martin is joined by our Associate in the US Julia Wean as the pair discuss lessons learned from their careers in TDM, or behaviour change as it is commonly called in the UK.

An interesting insight into one of Steer’s primary markets, this episode spans national boundaries and multiple decades as we discuss the changing motives and methods of TDM. 

Guest

 * Julia Wean [https://steergroup.com/about/our-people/julia-wean], Associate at Steer, is a dynamic force in transportation and a specialist in Transportation Demand Management (TDM). With a graduate degree in Transportation Planning and extensive experience, she leads the North American TDM Strategy market at Steer. Julia's expertise empowers public and private sectors alike to achieve significant reductions in vehicle miles travelled (VMT) and trips through inventive behaviour change policies and strategic planning.

Host

 * Lisa Martin [https://steergroup.com/about/our-people/lisa-martin], Director, Steer, is a sustainable mobility expert with over 25 years of experience, specialising in travel behaviour change strategies worldwide. From leadership roles at Steer to pivotal contributions at Heathrow Airport, Lisa champions modal shifts away from cars through innovative interventions, emphasising public transport and reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips.
   
   www.steergroup.com [https://www.steergroup.com/]

#6 Unlocking TDM: Lessons learned from both sides of the Atlantic

In this special two-part episode of ‘Voices of the Industry’, we are joined by John Larkinson, the CEO of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

In Part one, we investigated the ORR's crucial role in monitoring and regulating Britain's strategic road and rail infrastructure and explored how it navigates current challenges.

In Part two of our conversation with John, we dive into specific projects, decisions, and future challenges that are shaping the rail industry.

We explore how key decisions, such as the future of the HS2 project, impact rail infrastructure. John shares valuable insights into the challenges and considerations behind such significant projects, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the rail development landscape.

Missed part one? Catch up now - ‘Part 1: Challenges and dynamics of rail regulation with the ORR [https://uk.steergroup.com/insights/news/part-1-challenges-dynamics-rail-regulation-orr]’.

Key takeaways:

 * Major rail projects, including HS2, unravel the considerations, challenges, and decisions that shape significant rail infrastructure initiatives.
 * Perspectives on key decisions influencing the trajectory of rail development.
 * Upcoming challenges in the rail sector and understand the ORR's role in addressing these hurdles and opportunities, ensuring the resilience and sustainability of rail infrastructure.

Guests

 * John Larkinson, a seasoned leader in the rail industry, John took the helm at the Office of Rail and Road in 2021, drawing on over 20 years of experience. From pioneering network regulation to safeguarding consumer interests, his expertise fuels ORR's mission to champion rail and road users. Whether ensuring fair access, holding Network Rail accountable, or analysing industry finances, John's passion for transportation shines through, driving efficient performance and safety across the rails and roads.

Host(s)

 * Mike Goggin [https://steergroup.com/about/our-people/mike-goggin], Managing Director, Steer.
 * Stephen Wainwright [https://steergroup.com/about/our-people/stephen-wainwright], UK Managing Director, Steer.

www.steergroup.com [https://www.steergroup.com/]

#5 Part 2: Projects, Decisions, and Future Challenges with ORR

In this special two-part episode of ‘Voices of the Industry’, we are joined by John Larkinson, the CEO of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

In part one of this insightful conversation, John walks us through the intricacies of the ORR’s differing roles for health and safety and economic regulation within Britain’s strategic road and rail network. Facing challenges like inflation, dramatically changed usage of the network, decarbonisation aspirations and ongoing industrial action, the ORR has an influential role to play as the transport sector steers its way through these rapidly changing times.

Explore the history, current challenges, and exciting potential for the monitoring and regulation of our strategic transport network as we discuss investment, Brexit, and the financial implications of ageing core infrastructure.

Tune in to Part 2, where we discuss specific projects, decisions, and future challenges that impact rail infrastructure. Listen now - ‘Part 2: Projects, decisions, and future challenges with ORR [https://steergroup.com/insights/news/part-2-projects-decisions-future-challenges-orr]’.

Key takeaways

 * Explore how the ORR manages the complex landscape of health and safety and economic regulation amid challenges like inflation, post-COVID passenger declines, and ongoing industrial action.
 * Gain insights into the evolving role of the ORR, from its history to the present day.
 * Delve into the financial implications of ageing core infrastructure within the rail industry.
 * Discover the potential for innovation and positive change in rail regulation.

Guests

 * John Larkinson, a seasoned leader in the rail industry, John took the helm at the Office of Rail and Road in 2021, drawing on over 20 years of experience. From pioneering network regulation to safeguarding consumer interests, his expertise fuels ORR's mission to champion rail and road users. Whether ensuring fair access, holding Network Rail accountable, or analysing industry finances, John's passion for transportation shines through, driving efficient performance and safety across the rails and roads.

Host(s)

 * Mike Goggin [https://steergroup.com/about/our-people/mike-goggin], Managing Director, Steer.
 * Stephen Wainwright [https://steergroup.com/about/our-people/stephen-wainwright], UK Managing Director (Interim), Steer.

www.steergroup.com [https://www.steergroup.com/]

#4 Part 1: Challenges and dynamics of rail regulation with the ORR

Voices of the Industry is a podcast series from Steer [https://www.steergroup.com/], a global consultancy specialising in the critical services and infrastructure that make our world work.

Our Voices of the Industry series features leading figures from across the globe who share their ideas, innovations and inspirations, while providing fresh perspectives and lively discussion on what the future holds in their sector.

www.steergroup.com [https://steergroup.com/]

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