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

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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

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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.
  
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• 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

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• 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, North American New Mobility Market Lead, Steer.

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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.
  
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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.

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.

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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, Associate for Energy Transition, Amberside Advisors.
• Tim Gallagher, Journalist at Steer.
  
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Guest

• 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, 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

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, Managing Director, Steer.
• Stephen Wainwright, UK Managing Director, Steer.