The UK Government’s long-awaited integrated transport strategy, Better Connected, sets out an ambitious vision for a more joined-up, accessible and user-focused transport system. But does the strategy go far enough to deliver the transformation needed across the UK’s transport networks and places? And how do we get it moving?

In this episode of Steer’s podcast, Director Nicola Kane is joined by colleagues Steve Hunter, Rubi Sarang and Dom Smith to explore how the strategy could translate into practical delivery across rail, bus, active travel and local transport planning.

The discussion examines whether Better Connected provides the policy framework, funding direction and cross-sector alignment needed to genuinely integrate transport and development. Topics include transit-oriented development around rail stations, the role of vision-led planning within the updated National Planning Policy Framework, and how place-based business cases could support more sustainable growth and investment decisions.

The episode also asks whether the strategy strikes the right balance between national direction and local flexibility. While Better Connected places strong emphasis on partnership working, devolution and integrated planning, the panel explores whether local authorities and transport agencies currently have the capacity, capability and funding to deliver against such a wide-ranging agenda.

Other key themes explored include:

 * Whether the strategy goes far enough on reducing car dependency and decarbonising local journeys
 * How effectively Better Connected addresses affordability, accessibility and social inclusion
 * The extent to which user insight is truly embedded within rail and bus reform
 * Whether reforms to bus and rail governance will create more seamless end-to-end journeys
 * How transport investment appraisal is evolving towards wider place-based outcomes
 * The growing role of data, innovation and cross-modal planning in creating integrated networks
 * The importance of healthier communities, active travel and safer public spaces within transport policy

Drawing on examples from across the UK, the conversation provides a practical and solution-focused assessment of what Better Connected means for transport authorities, operators, planners and policymakers tasked with turning strategy into reality.

#17 Better Connected: How to get the integrated transport strategy moving 

In this episode of Inside Steer: Conversations with Experts, Executive President Herbert Higginbotham speaks with Nicole Muise-Kielkucki, Vice President at Fourth Economy, about how equity-focused planning and inclusive engagement are shaping economic development strategies across the United States.

Drawing on her experience working with communities at the state, regional, and local level, Nicole shares how economic development planning is evolving as places confront complex challenges including housing affordability, workforce support, and energy costs. Their discussion explores how planners and policymakers can better understand the cultural, political, and economic context of each community to design strategies that support sustainable and inclusive growth.

Hear expert insights on:

 * How housing, childcare, and other support systems are becoming central to economic development strategies.
 * Why inclusive engagement is essential for planning communities’ long-term futures.
 * Lessons from Pennsylvania’s first Statewide Housing Action Plan.
 * How economic development challenges differ across rural communities, post-industrial cities, and fast-growing regions.
 * Why balancing growth, identity, and opportunity is key to long-term community success.

From statewide housing strategies to local economic action plans, this conversation explores how thoughtful planning and collaboration can help communities navigate change while ensuring growth benefits both new and long-time residents.

🎧 Listen to Episode 3 of Inside Steer: Conversations with Experts — a series exploring ideas, people, and perspectives driving change across Steer’s North American business.

www.steergroup.com/insights/inside-steer-conversations-with-experts [https://steergroup.com/insights/inside-steer-conversations-with-experts]

#16 Inside Steer: Conversations with Experts Ep. 3 | Nicole Muise Kielkucki

Passenger rail across North America is undergoing a fundamental reset. Travel patterns have shifted, funding is tighter, and agencies are being forced to rethink how services are planned, funded and operated.

In this episode of Inside Steer: Conversations with Experts, Herbert Higginbotham, Executive President, North America, speaks with Masroor Hasan, Senior Vice President, Rail Advisory, about how the rail and transit sector is responding in real time.

They discuss what ridership recovery really looks like post-pandemic, why traditional demand assumptions no longer hold, and how data-driven planning is helping agencies adapt. The conversation also explores the growing role of private partners, the increasing focus on business cases and investment discipline, and what the next 5–10 years could mean for passenger rail across the US and Canada.

A practical, insight-led discussion for public agencies, investors and anyone involved in shaping the future of rail.

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

#15 Inside Steer: Conversations with Experts Ep. 2 | Masroor Hasan

In this first episode of Inside Steer: Conversations with Experts, Executive President Herbert Higginbotham speaks with David Cuneo, Senior Vice President for Traffic & Revenue Forecasting, about how technology, data, and innovation are reshaping travel, cities, and the future of infrastructure across North America.

Their discussion explores how connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) could transform mobility, from how we plan our cities to how investors assess future transport networks — and what this means for the next generation of infrastructure projects.

Hear expert insights on:

 * How connected and autonomous vehicles are redefining traveller behaviour and transport demand.
 * The growing role of data and technology in improving traffic and revenue forecasting.
 * How public–private partnerships (P3s) can help deliver the next wave of highway investment.
 * What these shifts mean for cities, clients, and the people who rely on better mobility every day.

From forecasting models powered by big data to the future of connected travel corridors, this conversation offers a forward look at how innovation will shape tomorrow’s infrastructure landscape.

🎧 Listen to Episode 1 of Inside Steer: Conversations with Experts — a series exploring ideas, people, and perspectives driving change across Steer’s North American business.

Guest
David Cuneo, Senior Vice President, Steer

Host
Herbert Higginbotham, Executive President, North America, Steer

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

#14 Inside Steer: Conversations with Experts - Ep. 1 | David Cuneo

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

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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