Locally licensed private hire drivers across Greater Manchester can now apply for grants of up to £2,500 to help them switch to cleaner vehicles.
Applications are now open for eligible private hire drivers licensed by Bolton, and any other Greater Manchester council.
Greater Manchester’s new £2 million Private Hire Vehicle Support Fund will help eligible drivers make the switch to modern, lower emission vehicles.
By helping drivers make the switch, the fund will support local livelihoods while offering cleaner, more comfortable journeys for passengers.
The fund has been developed in response to feedback from Greater Manchester's taxi and private hire trade through the ‘Backing Our Taxis. Local. Licensed. Trusted’ campaign.
Cllr Robert Morrisey, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change and Environmental Services, said:
“Bolton’s taxis and private hire vehicles provide a vital service every day, and it is important that they can do so in the safest, cleanest way possible.
“Greater Manchester has listened to those who know the trade best, and I welcome any assistance that can lead to real, practical change.
“The switch will lead to promising improvements for drivers and passengers alike, as well as making steps to benefit the environment.”
The support is part of wider work to make local taxi and private hire services among the safest, cleanest, and most trusted in the country.
The Private Hire Vehicle Support Fund complements Greater Manchester’s existing Hackney Support Fund.
Launched in December 2025, it helps licensed black cab drivers upgrade to cleaner vehicles, with funding already committed to more than 400 locally licensed black cab drivers.
Find out more and apply at: www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/phv-support-fund