Voices of the Industry presented by Steer.

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, 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

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’.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.www.steergroup.com

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’.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, Managing Director, Steer. Stephen Wainwright, UK Managing Director (Interim), Steer.www.steergroup.com

Infrastructure projects the world over start with the best intentions, but rising costs and ‘analysis paralysis’ often mean their full potential goes unrealized. This is a common theme in every country, but have some been able to develop strategies to help stay the course and deliver benefits for all?In this episode of ‘Voices of the Industry’ Steer’s market lead for transportation strategy and business case analysis in North America, Patrick Miller, speaks to Ingrid Emery, Executive Director of Biodiversity and Conservation for the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Planning and Environment as she talks about the innovative approach to infrastructure assurance in this Australian state.A focus on risk assessment, use of independent experts for assurance reviews, and repeated use of business cases throughout created a thorough assessment process to keep projects on track throughout their lifecycle. Are there some notes for North American planners to take?Key takeaways Using a project lifecycle can enable transparent decision making Using business cases throughout a project lifecycle can help to navigate decision making Using a dedicated assurance function can minimise risk Integrating the public and decision makers into development helps to avoid surprisesGuests Ingrid Emery, serving as the Executive Director of Biodiversity and Conservation at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, brings nearly two decades of experience. Her prior role involved leading water infrastructure development, ensuring access to safe drinking water for regional towns. Ingrid holds degrees in Economics and English Literature from the University of Melbourne, showcasing a versatile background.Host Patrick Miller, Steer’s Transportation Strategy and Business Case Market Lead in North America.www.steergroup.com

Amtrak is one of the most recognisable names in North American transport having been providing rail passengers with outstanding service across the US and Canada since the 1970s.More important than Amtrak’s prestigious past however is its future role in achieving Net Zero in the transport sector. Rail is a far more sustainable mode than air travel and its potential to reduce emissions on intercity journeys at a time of urban growth is huge.As well as an overall reduction through mode shift Amtrak itself is on a journey to a greener future as it aims to achieve net zero by 2045. Join cohosts Mike Goggin and Serbjeet Kohli as they talk to Amtrak’s Dennis Newman about the iconic company’s pathway to Net Zero including engaging their workforce, creating more resilient rail infrastructure, reducing fleet emissions and more.Guests Dennis Newman, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning at Amtrak. Dennis leads in a number of areas including infrastructure, fleet and sustainability planning.Host Mike Goggin, Managing Director, Steer. Serbjeet Kohli, Director and sustainability lead, Steer.www.steergroup.com

What is the future of transport for the USA’s most populous state? California High-Speed Rail (HSR) has big plans to reshape not just how the state’s projected 50 million residents will get around but also how their cities, agriculture and state overall will look.In this episode, ‘Voices of the Industry’ interviews Meg Cederoth, the Director of Planning and Sustainability at HSR. Join us as Meg explains how HSR’s approach to station design and planning will build both California’s communities and its sustainability agenda.Key takeaways:- HSR is part of California’s plan to decarbonize.- Station design can increase not just numbers of rail passengers but active travel.- Placemaking is a key component of station planning for HSR.- Station design can improve wider town planning, prevent urban sprawl and protect agriculture.Guests Margaret Cederoth, California High-Speed Rail Authority's director of planning and sustainability, is an urban planner with over 20 years of experience in sustainable infrastructure, land use, and transportation planning in the United States and across the world.Host Tim Gallagher, Steer Journalist.