#India #Bengaluru #Toyota Mobility #STAMP Project

Toyota Mobility Foundation Launches the STAMP Project in Bengaluru

The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), under the leadership of Akio Toyoda, has partnered with WRI India along with Bengaluru Traffic Police, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation, and Electronics City Industrial Authority (ELCIA) to launch the STAMP (Station Access and Mobility Program) project in Bengaluru’s Electronics City this April. This initiative aims to facilitate the transition from personal vehicles to the metro system by employing behavioral science techniques such as nudging. Alongside the STAMP project, TMF is also calling for innovators to submit proposals for sustainable commuting solutions.

Understanding WRI India

WRI India, part of the World Resources Institute, operates in over 50 countries with a focus on environmental protection and sustainable development. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders including governments, corporations, and NGOs to tackle urgent issues such as rapid urbanization, expanding energy demands, climate change impact, and significant natural resource pollution within India.

The Importance of public Transport

Effective public transportation systems are pivotal in achieving sustainable mobility. To shift public perception and utilization of transport, there is a pressing need to foster an environment that encourages walking or cycling for the last mile. Previously conducted STAMP projects revealed that long waiting times and high costs during the last mile significantly deterred public transport usage in Bengaluru. As part of this initiative, TMF aims to address and promote subway usage specifically among the affluent demographic who often opt for personal vehicles despite having access to public transport options.

Providing Incentives for Change

To encourage subway utilization, TMF plans to introduce economic incentives and enhance safety features. Improvements will include better road lighting, the establishment of waiting areas at bus stops, and considerations for universal access. Additionally, TMF will implement mechanisms that leverage goal setting and gamification within workplaces to motivate employees to utilize the subway more frequently.

Details on the Innovator Call

The TMF’s call for innovators focuses on proposals that revolve around three core aspects:
1. App Innovations: Development of applications incorporating gamified elements or digital coupons, enabling employees to receive benefits for opting for sustainable commuting options.
2. Real-Time Commuting Insights: Proposing apps that enhance last-mile connectivity between Electronics City and workplaces based on real-time information for walking, biking, busing, or ridesharing.
3. Accessible Solutions: Creating solutions to improve accessibility, pricing, safety, and convenience for various commuting needs in the last mile.

Application Timeline

The application period will span from April to June 2025, offering a total grant amount of $100,000. Interested innovators are required to collaborate with local partners in India for their applications. For further details regarding the application process, candidates are encouraged to visit the webpage for STAMP: Nudging Commuter Behaviour (available in English only).

Post the application deadline, selected innovators will go through a review process, and test implementations are expected to commence by April 2026.

TMF’s Commitment to Sustainable Mobility

Since its inception, Toyota has endeavored to create a rich society that respects its customers, business partners, employees, and communities through its automotive operations. To further enhance its public-related activities, TMF was established in August 2014. The foundation is dedicated to addressing mobility issues worldwide and engaging in diverse projects that contribute to fostering a more prosperous society through sustainable transportation solutions.