Accessible Information Grant for Small Bus & Coach Operators

The grant is open to operators running local service vehicles as at 1 October 2026. Eligible operators must hold operating licences for no more than 20 vehicles and must not be a subsidiary or sister company of an operator with 21 or more public service vehicles. 

The grant can be used to purchase and install equipment needed to provide audible and visible information onboard eligible vehicles. This may include audible speakers, hearing loops, visual display screens and supporting infrastructure. Funding can also cover maintenance for one year from the installation of the equipment. Operators with partially compliant systems can apply for funding to add equipment needed to meet the requirements, such as installing a hearing loop where audible speakers and visual display screens are already in place.

Please note that until 31 December 2026, applications from operators in designated priority areas will be prioritised for approval. These areas are: Lancashire, Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and Cumbria. However, applications open on 22 October 2026 and remain open until the grant is fully committed.

Webinars on the 17th and 19th of November will provide more information https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/on-bus-accessible-information-regulations-grant-644989/

Applications can cover up to 20 vehicles. Each vehicle must:

• Be a category M2 or M3 passenger vehicle.
• Be used on a local bus service or a replacement service provided during a temporary interruption to a railway service.
• Be designed to carry at least 17 seated passengers.
• Not already provide both audible and visible onboard information for the next stop, route or direction.
• Meet all eligibility requirements as at 1 October 2026.

Applications must be submitted directly by the operator seeking funding. Operators must not have an active application for, or have been awarded funding through, the Department for Transport's transferable equipment grant.

For more information, please see: https://rtig.org.uk/aig/apply