Clean cab cash rolls out as Manchester processes 193 taxi upgrade bids worth over £1.5m already
- Perry Richardson
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Greater Manchester has processed 193 applications under its new £8m clean taxi support scheme, with £1.58m already committed in non-repayable grants to help black cab drivers upgrade to cleaner vehicles, according to an official update due before councillors next week.
The figures are contained in a report to the Air Quality Administration Committee on 29 January, which confirms that the city region is delivering measures agreed with government to meet legal nitrogen dioxide limits without introducing a charging Clean Air Zone.
The funding forms part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s investment-led Clean Air Plan, which prioritises fleet upgrades and local traffic interventions rather than road user charging. The report highlights continued progress across bus electrification, taxi emissions reduction and traffic management schemes.
Under the Hackney Support Fund, eligible black cab licensees can apply for grants to upgrade to zero emission capable vehicles, second-hand ZEC models or compliant Euro 4 petrol or Euro 6 diesel vehicles. The scheme officially opened with £8m allocated, and early demand has seen nearly a quarter of the fund already committed.
Progress update shows hackney upgrade scheme moving quickly under non-charging Clean Air Plan
Grant values vary depending on vehicle type and accessibility. Wheelchair accessible ZEC vehicles can attract grants of up to £12,560, while compliant non-ZEC wheelchair accessible vehicles are eligible for £6,280. For non-wheelchair accessible vehicles, grants range from £3,770 to £7,530 depending on emissions standard and seating capacity.
The committee update also confirms that Greater Manchester is considering the creation of a future fund to support private hire vehicle licensees to upgrade their vehicles, with proposals expected to be assessed as part of the 2026/27 budget setting process. No funding envelope or eligibility criteria have yet been confirmed.
Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council and Clean Air lead for Greater Manchester, said: “We are determined to meet our legal obligations and improve public health for all our residents. Since taking back control of local buses through the transformational Bee Network, we’ve been able to run cleaner and zero-emission buses on routes where they are most needed to improve air quality.
“This is about improving air quality in the right way. Our investment-led approach means we are on track to deliver cleaner air without a charging zone and without placing financial pressure on residents or businesses.
“Through the rollout of new zero-emission buses, alongside grants for black cab drivers to upgrade their vehicles, we’re showing exactly what an investment-led plan can achieve: cleaner air, modern public transport and a fairer approach for local people.”
