Steer recognised as a semi-finalist in the Toyota Mobility Foundation Sustainable Cities Challenge
Steer’s long-standing expertise in crowd mobility, major events and geospatial analysis has earned a place in the TMF Sustainable Cities Challenge semi-finals, reflecting our commitment to safer, more accessible urban movement.
Steer was proud to be selected as one of ten semi-finalists in the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) Sustainable Cities Challenge in Varanasi. The global competition seeks innovative solutions that use data and technology to improve mobility in complex urban environments – and Varanasi, with its unique spiritual, cultural and spatial context, presents one of the most compelling challenges of all.
As part of Stage 1, senior consultant Jai Malhotra and associate Oliver Russell joined fellow innovators in Varanasi for the TMF Innovator Academy. The five-day programme offered an immersive opportunity to engage directly with city officials, observe crowd dynamics across the old city, and gain deeper insight into the lived experience of movement in one of the world’s most significant pilgrimage destinations.
Steer’s participation builds on our extensive work in crowd mobility, major events and geospatial analysis. From modelling crowd flows at global sporting events to advising cities on safe, efficient movement during festivals and large-scale gatherings, our interdisciplinary teams combine behavioural insight, digital tools and on-the-ground experience to improve mobility in the most challenging settings.
The visit underscored the complexity of Varanasi’s mobility patterns – from narrow historic streets and dense foot traffic to ritual activities, informal transport and the sheer volume of visitors. It also reinforced the importance of solutions that respect cultural context while supporting safety, access and effective crowd management.
Participating in the challenge has strengthened Steer’s understanding of India’s unique crowd mobility needs and sharpened our thinking on how data-driven approaches can support cities facing similar pressures around the world. We are grateful to the Toyota Mobility Foundation, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, Challenge Works (Nesta) and the Municipal Corporation of Varanasi for facilitating this invaluable learning experience.
- Jai Malhotra, Steer
