At Cab Direct we are always pleased to hear about taxi funding and grants that will help support taxi drivers and trade and were recently reminded of one from Energy Savings Trust, available to taxi drivers in Scotland.
Taxi Funding
Known as the COVID-19 Public Transport Retrofit fund, the scheme is part of a wider public transport mitigation fund and was first announced in August 2020 by Transport Scotland. It’s aimed at public transport businesses including taxi drivers and operators who need to install items in their cabs to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. Items include hand sanitiser brackets, protective screens, seat covers and fogging machines that are used to sanitise and disinfect surfaces. The aim of this project is not only to protect drivers and passengers but to increase confidence in the public so that they can feel safe travelling in taxis and other modes of public transport.
Eligibility
Applications are being considered on a first-come, first-served basis until the funding runs out. You may apply retrospectively for costs you have incurred already dating back to April 2020, up to a maximum of £500 per vehicle or up to £50,000 for a taxi company with multiple vehicles. If you can apply for future installations you should wait until your grant has been formally accepted before purchasing any items. Once you receive your formal letter from Energy Savings Trust you must purchase your items and confirm the final costs to be reimbursed then the funding can be released.
Imminent Closing Date
If you are interested in applying for this funding, please don’t delay as the application deadline is fast approaching. The last chance to submit your application is 5pm on Monday 15th March 2021. For more information please visit the dedicated webpage.
Exceptions
If your taxi is used primarily for transporting school children, there is a separate fund called the ‘COVID-19 School Transport Retrofit Fund’ that you may be eligible for. This fund is being managed by local authorities so you should contact them for further information on this grant and any key deadlines they might be working towards.
The Safest Way to Travel
Blacks cabs like our Mercedes Benz Vito Taxi are among the safest ways to travel with their spacious cabin allowing social distancing and easy to clean surfaces and seating. We also offer a great range of standard taxis for private hire. Several of these such as the Toyota Corolla and the Ford Tourneo Custom are available with manufacturer-approved barrier screens. Please call the number at the top of the page or enquire online to find out more.