Steer at the New England TDM Summit: Exploring the Future of Equitable and Effective Mobility

Steer was proud to participate in the Spring Into TDM 2025: Patriot Chapter summit hosted by the New England chapter of the Association for Commuter Transportation. Our colleagues Julia Wean and Billy O’Connell joined a diverse group of thought leaders and practitioners to explore emerging strategies, technologies, and policies shaping the future of transportation demand management (TDM) in the region. Here are some of their key learnings. 

Meeting Broader Mobility Needs: A key highlight of the event was a tour of Harvard University's campuses, focusing on their sustainable transportation initiatives.  The tour highlighted Harvard’s focus on expanding transportation services to meet the needs of the broader community—not just students and staff. This includes expanding access to meet commuting needs beyond campus and introducing programs like cargo bike share.

Technology with Purpose: Sessions on TDM technology emphasized a critical message: innovation must be driven by real-world needs. While data tools and digital platforms offer powerful solutions, they are most effective when integrated thoughtfully within a broader infrastructure and policy framework. 

Planning for Major Events: Looking ahead, the summit addressed the immense planning underway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Coordinating regional travel among cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston will require new levels of collaboration. Early considerations include increased use of commuter rail and enhanced communication strategies—though many detailed plans are still in development. The opportunity to engage with transportation management associations (TMAs), employers, and other agencies is being considered, pointing to a valuable next step in the planning process.

Embedding TDM in Local Policy: The importance of strong local policy frameworks was another key focus. Four cities in the Boston area (Cambridge, Somerville, Watertown and Everett) shared how clear TDM policies, aligned with broader goals like climate action and livability, can foster consistency and public trust. Effective ordinances not only reduce congestion but also protect vulnerable communities during periods of rapid development. TMAs were highlighted as essential partners in enforcing and monitoring these policies, with real “teeth” through mechanisms like parking limitations and access restrictions.

The New England TDM Summit offered a timely platform for exchanging ideas, confronting challenges, and celebrating progress across sectors. Steer remains committed to supporting clients and communities in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking transportation systems. We look forward to continuing the conversation and helping turn vision into action across the region.