Mallon announces the opening of second financial support scheme for bus and coach operators

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has opened a further financial assistance scheme for bus and coach operators.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon

This second scheme will cover the period from 1 October 2020 until 31 March 2021.  This scheme will provide financial assistance to bus and coach operators for ongoing overhead costs and expenses which they have incurred.

Announcing the opening of the scheme today until the 9 April,  Minister Mallon said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be a time of anxiety and uncertainty for many businesses, including the bus and coach sector.  I am pleased that my Department has been able to provide support to help them through this difficult time and that today we are announcing the opening of a second scheme to provide further support to those in need.

The eligibility criteria and the basis of this scheme remain broadly the same as the original scheme but with some adjustments based on the feedback from those in the sector and lessons learnt from the first scheme.  In particular, the £100,000 cap on maximum payments per operator has been removed and communication and advice has also been improved for those applying to the scheme.

It remains my priority that support is provided to loss making businesses, so that it is targeted at those who are most in need and provides value for money for the public purse.”

Full details about the scheme and how to apply is available here:

• https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dfi-1/bus-scheme-2021/

Queries relating to applications should be directed to:   buscoachfundingscheme@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

Once you have submitted your application queries relating to application progress can be directed to 028 9054 0111 or DfIBusOperatorSchemeUpdate@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

Notes to editors: 

1. The Financial Assistance Scheme is open to Private Coach and Bus operators and excludes Translink, the Education Authority, and Community Transport Providers.
2. To be eligible to apply for the scheme each private Coach or Bus operator must hold a valid Northern Ireland bus operator licence and  their main business activity needs to be the carriage of passengers and their luggage by road for reward.
3. Payments will be made based on the financial standing requirements of £8000 for the first bus and £4450 for each subsequent bus, or the actual loss, whichever is the lower.
4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
5. The Executive Information Service operates and out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800 hours and 8.00 hours Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays.  The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.   
6. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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