Applications open for £4.65m audio-visual funding pot

Small bus and coach operators are now able to bid for a share of £4.65m government funding for rolling out audible and visual announcements. A small operator is defined in this situation as one running 20 or fewer vehicles.

The Accessible Information Grant is intended to support small operators to fit screens, speakers and induction loops on their service vehicles. The grant applications support regulations which were introduced last year requiring all bus operators to provide audio and visual updates on journeys. By supporting smaller bus companies, the government believes this funding will help ensure all operators are able to meet the October 2026 deadline for buses to provide this accessibility equipment.

“This £4.65 million is the extra push to give operators the tools to upgrade their buses on time” – Guy Opperman, Minister for Accessibility and Ministerial Disability Champion at the DfT

Guy Opperman, Minister for Accessibility and Ministerial Disability Champion at the DfT, said: “Buses are the most used form of public transport in the country, and for people who are disabled they may be the only way to meet friends and family, attend medical appointments or get to work.

“I can only imagine how daunting it must be to get on a bus and not know for certain where it’s going or when to get off, which is why we introduced new rules to ensure all buses provide this information in an accessible way. This £4.65 million is the extra push to give operators the tools to upgrade their buses on time and ensure all passengers can board with confidence.”

Applications for the grant can be made now and until 11.59pm on 3 June 2024.

• Operators can begin the process of applying for the grant here.