Covid-19 Public Transport Retrofit Fund

A fund aimed at supporting public transport operators during COVID-19 is now available. The COVID-19 Public Transport Retrofit Fund is part of the larger COVID-19 Public Transport Mitigation Fund, announced by Transport Scotland in August 2020.

The fund supports the installation of measures needed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission on vehicles and aims to improve capacity and increase public confidence while on board.

Where vehicles are primarily used for school transport, funding is available via the COVID-19 School Transport Retrofit Fund. The COVID-19 School Transport Retrofit Fund will be administered by local authorities and interested operators should contact their local authority for more information.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on 15 March 2021. We encourage anyone interested in the fund to submit an application as soon as possible to ensure the best possible chance of securing funding. Applications are assessed on an ongoing, first-come-first-served basis until funding is fully allocated.

Businesses are eligible to receive funding retrospectively for items installed and paid for from 6 April 2020. Businesses are able to apply retrospectively subject to a cost cap of £50,000 on the overall application value. Applications above this value will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Where possible, applicants applying prospectively must not purchase any measures before receiving a formal grant offer letter from Energy Saving Trust. If you do so, your application may be refused.

Funding will only be paid out once the applicant has been sent a formal grant offer, installed and purchased the approved measure(s), and sent in relevant documents (including, but not limited to, paid invoice(s)) confirming the final cost. Funding cannot be paid out prior to the costs being incurred by the grantee, and installation of the measure(s).

Energy Saving Trust is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This fund is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.

The following applications are now open:

There are no restrictions on what could qualify as an enhanced measure and we encourage you to think about what would help ensure the best result for your vehicles or vessels. All applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and assessed in terms of efficacy, cost, and ease of use.

Here are some examples of areas that could be considered by operators:

Air quality and ventilation

• installation or improvement of air conditioning units
• installation of high-performance filtration systems

Sterilisation technologies

• hygienic surface coatings

UV cleaning solutions

• innovative solutions based on the use of UV light to disinfect surfaces

Other

• installation of signage related to mitigation actions supported through this fund at stations, bus stops or termini
• provision of waste disposal facilities on public transport related to mitigations supported through this fund, for example disposal of used surface wipes or face masks
• installation costs where the measure cannot be installed by the applicant

Applications for mobile/digital solutions may also be considered:

Mobile / digital solutions

• use of real time occupancy application, to monitor and receive details of passenger capacity within vehicles in real time