Coach funding paused despite no inclusion in bus SCR matter; body wants fair approach
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has amplified calls for a clear and equitable distribution of coach retrofitting grants within Newcastle’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ), amid concerns over a lack of funding disbursement.
It comes after the national retrofit funding pause announced earlier this year. That pause is understood to affect only bus, but a local authority spokesperson reveals grants for coaches have also been placed on hold until “further studies on the effectiveness of retrofitting have been completed”.
routeone understands that the absence of grant disbursement stems from a lack of distinction between coach and bus applications within Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council’s funding framework. Helen Stuart, Policy and Communications Business Partner at Newcastle City Council, says the funding pause is currently affecting 34 applications for approximately 200 coaches and buses that “will be, or have already been, retrofitted”.
Temporary exemptions have been provided where operators have applied for funding for retrofitting, or where vehicles have been retrofitted already.
CPT Regional Manager for the North of England Andrew McGuinness argues that the council’s one-pot approach, which does not differentiate between coaches and buses, is at odds with the specific needs of the coach industry. The trade body is advocating for “equality on individual applications”, and (notwithstanding the retrofit pause for bus nationally) is urging the council for a proportionate funding figure for coaches.
“These operators have made considerable investments, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, to ensure compliance with the CAZ objectives,” he adds. “Such commitment should be met with proportionate support in the form of the legitimate grants they’ve applied for.
“The existing exemptions for those with funding applications are commendable, but we need recognition for operators that have already made investments to achieve CAZ compliance. We’re advocating for a fair and proportionate solution that respects the investments made by coach operators, and have taken all reasonable steps in engaging with the local authority.”
