A new £2 million support fund has been launched to help private hire drivers in Bolton upgrade to cleaner vehicles.
The Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Support Fund will support drivers in upgrading to more environmentally friendly cars to improve air quality and higher standards for passengers across the city-region.
Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "Private hire drivers play a vital role helping to keep Greater Manchester moving every day, whether that’s getting people to work, healthcare appointments, school, or helping them get home safely at the end of the day.
"We’ve listened to the trade and we’re launching this fund to offer private hire taxi drivers practical financial support to help them move to cleaner, more modern vehicles, which is good for them, passengers and good for our environment.
"I’ll continue the work with government to secure stronger legislation that better supports our locally licensed drivers.
"They should not be undercut by drivers licensed elsewhere, where we can’t guarantee a safe, high-quality service."
The fund offers grants of up to £2,500 and is open to private hire drivers licensed by any of Greater Manchester’s 10 councils.
It is designed to help drivers upgrade to vehicles that meet Euro 4 or higher emissions standards for petrol, Euro 6 for diesel, or to zero-emission capable vehicles.
Developed in response to feedback from the taxi and private hire trade, the scheme aims to make Greater Manchester’s vehicles among the safest, and cleanest in the country.
Kevin Flanagan, GMB Manchester Central branch secretary, said: "The GMB welcomes the new support fund launched for private hire drivers across Greater Manchester.
"We are pleased to have worked with TfGM and welcome the commitment shown by the Greater Manchester Mayor’s office in responding to the issues raised and making this support available to drivers.
"Drivers have faced significant challenges and costs in upgrading their vehicles in recent years, these grants will provide welcome assistance to those still making the transition to newer vehicles.
"We want Greater Manchester to be a national model for the trade and will continue to support policies and practices that improve standards, enhance passenger confidence and support the livelihoods of private hire drivers across the region."
The PHV Support Fund complements the existing Hackney Support Fund, which was launched in December 2025.
That scheme offers similar support to black cab drivers, with funding already committed to more than 400 locally licensed black cab drivers.
Applications for the new fund are now open and can be made online.
Drivers can find out more and apply by visiting www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/phv-support-fund.
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