Community Transport grant application 2027/2029

Please complete and submit the application below before Friday 16 Oct 2026

Grant information

This letter serves as an invitation to all Community Transport operators in the region to apply for funding for the period 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2029.

The MCA will continue the means tested approach to grant funding because of constraints on the Community Transport budget. The MCA will ensure value for money when allocating public funds.

Please ensure all sections are completed in full and any supporting documents or information are emailed to [email protected]. The email must be marked with your organisation’s name and noting that it is in support of your grant application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

For information: not all of the questions will be scored and will be for the Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) to understand the different operators in the region. 

Questions marked with * are those that will be scored.  Questions that are not marked with * are not scored and are either for information only or to help you to plan.  

Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be scored. 

Please note that for open-ended questions, a maximum of 300 words is suggested unless otherwise stated. 

Guidance notes and information will be provided. 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: at 23.59 on Friday 16th October 2026. Any applications received after this time will not be considered. 

  • The MCA will reimburse concessionary journeys for 2027-2029 based on patronage and the negotiated concessionary reimbursement rate. Please note that concessionary fare reimbursement is currently being reviewed as part of the MCA’s ongoing review of CT schemes. Any proposed changes, if adopted, will come into effect from 2029 (after this grant period).

  • Operators have the option to receive grant funding monthly or quarterly.

    The financial reserves and business viability details you are required to submit is detailed in the application form.

  • Following a successful application, a Grant Funding Agreement will be sent to operator.

  • To support CT schemes with the recruitment of volunteers, the MCA will continue to promote CT at bus stops and bus shelters across the region (including on bus timetables and on the WEST website https://travelwest.info) as well as advertising volunteer opportunities along with the application form. In addition, leaflets for each CT schemes in the region will be produced and distributed. The MCA will contact successful applicants to confirm details and service provisions to ensure information disseminated is accurate.

  • Due to budgetary constraints, the MCA does not expect to be providing additional in-year funding for this grant period.

  • Please complete and submit the online funding application form no later than 23:59pm on Friday 16 Oct 2026. Any applications received after this time will not be considered.

Grant form

Please complete the below grant form.

Alternatively you can request a downloadable PDF or Word Document to complete it in paper format by emailing [email protected]