BSOG – Funding to support CT provision

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The Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) is a discretionary grant given to eligible community transport operators to help them cover some of their fuel costs. The grant amount depends on the fuel used to run eligible services. BSOG aims to:

1. Keep running costs down for community transport operators.
2. Support the operation of services that might otherwise be financially unviable or canceled.

To qualify for the grant, community transport operators in England must hold a section 19 permit and provide evidence that they offer transport services in eligible categories. These eligible services primarily serve:

• Individuals aged 60 and above.
• Disabled individuals.
• Those receiving specific government benefits (e.g., Income Support, Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance).
• People experiencing social exclusion due to various factors (e.g., unemployment, poverty, ill health).
• Those who believe it’s unsafe for them to use public passenger transport services.
• Carers or individuals under 16 accompanying the above groups.

BSOG rates vary depending on the type of fuel used, with different rates for diesel, biodiesel, bioethanol, biofuels, unleaded petrol, natural gas, and other road fuel gases. The rates are typically expressed in pence per litre or kilogram.

BSOG may offer incentives such as:

• An 8% increase for vehicles with operational smartcard systems.
• An additional 2% increase for vehicles equipped with automatic vehicle location equipment.
• An extra 6p per kilometre for low carbon emission buses (LCEB) meeting specific criteria.
• A 22p per kilometre rate for zero emission buses (ZEB) with no internal combustion engine.

Operators can claim BSOG on either a six-monthly or annual basis, depending on their preference, with some flexibility based on the timing of their section 19 permits.

Additionally, as of April 2023, operators running services with vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes can claim a ZEB incentive without requiring a ZEB certificate or summary sheet, provided they meet certain criteria and provide necessary documentation.

Certainly, having a BSOG number and grant can facilitate access to other beneficial schemes provided by the Department for Transport (DfT). This is because being a recipient of the BSOG grant demonstrates an operator’s commitment to providing essential community transport services and complying with DfT regulations. This positive track record can make it easier for community transport operators to access additional schemes, funding, or support programs offered by the DfT or related government agencies. These additional schemes may include initiatives to promote sustainability, improve transport infrastructure, or enhance the quality of community transportation services.

If your organisation qualifies for the BSOG grant you could fill the application here and email the form to bsog@dft.gov.uk .

If you have any queries please contact the DfT BSOG team directly on 0207 944 858, or email the CTA development Officer for your region england@ctauk.org